Texas (18-20) at Detroit (25-13)
- When: May 9 2025, 6:40 PM
- Where: Comerica Park, Detroit
- Where to watch: FDSDET
Detroit Tigers vs. Texas Rangers Game Preview and Prediction
Moneyline: Detroit Tigers (-265)
Total: 7.5
The Detroit Tigers welcome the Texas Rangers to town for the opener of their three-game series after dominating the Colorado Rockies in a recent sweep. Weather delays in Denver led to a doubleheader, forcing Detroit to adjust their rotation, pushing Tarik Skubal to start against Texas instead of wrapping up against Colorado. The Tigers have momentum on their side, having won four straight games and seven of their last eight.
Detroit Tigers Overview
The Tigers hand the ball to Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.21 ERA), who has been nothing short of dominant in recent outings. Skubal has pitched to a sparkling 0.90 ERA over his last five starts, allowing only three runs in 30 innings while striking out 38 batters and issuing just one walk. His ability to control the strike zone and limit free passes has been a game-changer for Detroit.
In his last appearance, Skubal overcame a leadoff home run and blanked the Los Angeles Angels for the remainder of his six-inning start. He only needed 73 pitches to get through the game before being pulled by manager A.J. Hinch, who emphasized the importance of maintaining the health and stamina of their pitching staff.
Skubal has shown confidence in his approach, inviting hitters to swing early, which has helped him extend his outings with efficiency. His career numbers against the Rangers are modest, standing at 1-1 with a 3.47 ERA in four starts. However, with the way he’s been dealing lately, expect Skubal to put up another strong performance.
Texas Rangers Overview
The Rangers come into this series struggling, having lost 11 of their last 15 games, including back-to-back losses against the Boston Red Sox where they were shut out 5-0 on Thursday. Texas has been ice-cold with runners in scoring position, going a combined 0-for-17 over their last two contests. Manager Bruce Bochy emphasized the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, but the Rangers have yet to find that clutch hitting.
Taking the mound for Texas is veteran lefty Patrick Corbin (2-1, 3.28 ERA), who is coming off a respectable outing against Seattle. Corbin allowed just one run in 5 2/3 innings, his longest outing of the season. Despite a rocky few years with the Nationals, where he failed to keep his ERA under 5.20, Corbin has been sharper this season. Against the Tigers, he holds a 1-0 record with a 2.38 ERA in two career starts.
Offensively, the Rangers will need more production if they hope to challenge Skubal. Cory Seager missed the last game for maintenance as he recovers from a hamstring issue, and his status will be crucial for Texas as they try to shake off their recent slump.
Prediction and Final Score
With Detroit riding a hot streak and Skubal in excellent form, the Tigers hold the upper hand in this matchup. Texas has struggled to convert scoring chances, while Detroit’s pitching has been locked in. Expect Skubal to continue his dominance and the Tigers to take Game 1 convincingly.
Final Score Prediction: Tigers 5, Rangers 2
Lean: Detroit RL -1.5 (-120)
Total: Under 7.5 (-115)
Look for Detroit to win and cover the runline, with the game likely staying Under 7.5 as Skubal silences Texas’ bats and the Tigers maintain control.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
