Boston (22-21) at Detroit (27-15)
- When: May 13 2025, 6:40 PM
- Where: Comerica Park, Detroit
- Where to watch: TBS
Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers – Game Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Boston -114
Total: 8.5
Detroit Tigers Outlook
The Detroit Tigers’ bats came alive in a big way during Monday’s series opener against the Boston Red Sox, steamrolling their way to a 14-2 victory. This was a dramatic turnaround for Detroit, who only managed six total runs in their previous three-game set against the Texas Rangers. Monday’s offensive outburst included a wild sequence in the third inning, where Riley Greene laced a two-run single and circled the bases Little League-style after a mishap by Boston’s right fielder Wilyer Abreu.
“It was great to be able to score all those runs,” Greene said. “To do it against a good guy like Tanner Houck is always a good thing.”
Detroit’s pitching plan for Tuesday is a bit unconventional, as Casey Mize, who was initially slated to start, is on the injured list with a minor hamstring strain. Instead, the Tigers will rely on Tyler Holton (2-2, 3.12 ERA) as an opener, with Keider Montero (1-1, 4.15 ERA) set to follow. Montero has been shuttling between the majors and minors but impressed in his last start, going eight strong innings against Colorado while allowing just one run.
Tigers’ skipper A.J. Hinch praised the young righty:
“Talk about guys coming up and helping us win a game—that’s what you want, and he sure did that.”
Holton, making his first start after 15 relief appearances, has been reliable in limited action against Boston, posting a 1.50 ERA across five outings. This could be a solid opportunity for the Tigers to keep their momentum rolling.
Boston Red Sox Outlook
The Boston Red Sox look to bounce back after getting steamrolled in Game 1 of the series. They’ll turn to right-hander Brayan Bello (2-0, 2.01 ERA) for the Tuesday showdown. Bello has been sharp overall, allowing just 18 hits across 22 1/3 innings, but his Achilles heel has been control issues. He’s walked 12 while striking out 13, a ratio that’s far from ideal.
His last outing against the Texas Rangers saw him toss 4 2/3 scoreless innings despite issuing five free passes. Manager Alex Cora acknowledged the walks were a problem but remains confident in his young pitcher:
“I believe his stuff is elite. He just needs to be more aggressive in the zone,” Cora noted.
Bello’s history against the Tigers is less than stellar, holding a 0-1 record with a 6.55 ERA in two career starts. He’ll need to find the strike zone more consistently if Boston hopes to even the series.
Prediction and Final Score:
Detroit’s offensive explosion in Game 1 looked convincing, and with Montero showing flashes of potential, the Tigers seem primed to make it two in a row. Boston’s Bello has the stuff but hasn’t proven it consistently against Detroit. Look for the Tigers to capitalize on that vulnerability and secure a 5-3 victory in Game 2.
Final Score Prediction: Tigers 5, Red Sox 3
Lean: Tigers ML (-106)
Total: Under 8.5 (-110)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
