Tigers Look to Bounce Back After Dropping Series Opener in Pittsburgh

The Tigers limp into PNC Park on Wednesday night licking their wounds after a 4-1 beatdown yesterday, and the question is simple: can they find any offense against a Pirates staff that just made them look helpless? Detroit managed one measly run in the opener, continuing what's been a frustrating trend when they venture into National League ballparks without the DH crutch.

Pittsburgh's pitching staff has the Tigers' number right now, and momentum matters in August baseball. The Pirates are playing with house money at home, riding confidence from yesterday's dominant performance. Meanwhile, Detroit's bats went ice-cold at the worst possible time, and there's nothing in yesterday's box score suggesting they've figured anything out.

The Tigers need their starter to eat innings and keep this close, but after getting shut down so thoroughly in game one, you have to wonder if the offensive malaise carries over. Pittsburgh smells blood in the water and will look to take the series before Thursday's rubber match.

This feels like a stay-away spot for Detroit backers until they prove they can actually score runs in this building. The Pirates have the psychological edge and the home crowd behind them. DarkHorse hasn't weighed in yet, but the smart money waits for Detroit to show signs of life before backing them in hostile territory.