For all the eye-popping offensive numbers posted by the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers this year, the pitchers have had the last word in this series as we head into today’s rubber match.
After Tarik Skubal’s strong outing on Friday for Detroit, Jameson Taillon allowed just a single run through seven innings in Chicago’s 6-1 win yesterday, backed by a pair of Seiya Suzuki homers — but my Cubs vs Tigers predictions see the bats finally breaking through this afternoon.
With two of the league’s top-scoring lineups squaring off, check out my MLB picks for this June 8 battle.
Cubs vs Tigers prediction
My Cubs vs Tigers best bet: First five Over 4.5 (+100 at Caesars)
The warning signs have been there. Friday’s 3-1 scoreline featured 17 total hits, and the Chicago Cubs nailed five home runs yesterday. So, while both games in this series have hit the Under, the bats haven’t exactly gone cold.
Maybe the fireworks are just on a slight time delay. After all, the Cubbies lead the majors in runs (363) and sit second in batting average (.261). Last night’s power surge was a taste of what this lineup can do — even if the visitors’ six runs came off just seven hits.
Not to be outdone, the Detroit Tigers are fourth in runs (321) and rank inside the Top 10 in RBI and OPS. That’s the bigger picture, and I’m trusting those trends with bragging rights on the line at Comerica Park.
While today’s starters, Cade Horton and Jack Flaherty, have been steady in their last few outings, they’ll both be running a gauntlet here against talented hitters. Horton only has four big-league starts under his belt, and Flaherty posted a 4.67 ERA last month.
The Over is 33-25 for Chicago this year, and it’s been a winning ticket in five of the past eight meetings between these teams. That said, I prefer the Over on the F5 line of 4.5, with both bullpens logging an ERA south of 3.50 this season.
The Cubs have scored six or more runs in four of their last six games, and the Tigers have cashed the F5 innings team total Over in 40 of their last 66 outings.
Look for both teams to be more ruthless with runners in scoring position this afternoon, putting the starters under pressure from the first pitch.
Caesars QuickPick: Our Cubs vs Tigers same-game parlay (SGP)
First five Over 4.5
Kyle Tucker 2+ hits+runs+RBI
Riley Greene 2+ total bases
When the Chicago offense is firing, Kyle Tucker tends to be at the heart of the destruction. He’s 2-for-6 in battles against Flaherty, with both hits leaving the yard.
Tucker went 0-for-4 yesterday, but he had piled up six hits across his prior five outings. He ranks inside the Top 20 in the league in RBI (40), and he'll pounce on any mistakes from the Tigers today.
Riley Greene is another sparkplug that could drive the total towards the Over. While he hasn’t faced Horton, Greene has a .320 batting average so far this month, despite striking out four times yesterday, and he’s crushed 14 doubles this season.
Greene is also much more comfortable against righties, with those matchups providing 12 of his 13 dingers and 53 of his 67 hits. He may see some lefties out of the Cubs’ bullpen, but he’ll get to take on Horton first.
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Cubs vs Tigers odds
Cubs vs Tigers live odds
Cubs vs Tigers opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago +120 | Detroit -140
- Run line: Chicago +1.5 (-170) | Detroit -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (+105) | Under 8.5 (-125)
Odds courtesy of Caesars.
Cubs vs Tigers trend
The Tigers are 22-9 at home this season. Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Tigers.
How to watch Cubs vs Tigers and game info
| Location | Comerica Park, Detroit, MI |
| Date | Sunday, 6-8-2025 |
| First pitch | 1:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | Marquee, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Cade Horton (3-0, 3.51 ERA) |
| Tigers starting pitcher | Jack Flaherty (4-6, 3.72 ERA) |
Cubs vs Tigers latest injuries
Cubs vs Tigers weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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