The Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers were set to clash on June 19, 2025, at Comerica Park in Detroit, but their game has hit a soggy snag. A rain delay has postponed the start of the first game of a scheduled doubleheader, leaving players warming up in the clubhouse and fans huddled under cover, eagerly awaiting updates. The delay, announced shortly before the original 1:10 p.m. start time, stems from stormy weather sweeping through the area, with the teams now hoping to take the field at 1:50 p.m.—though that timeline remains tentative as the rain persists.
This isn’t the first weather-related hiccup for this series. Just a day earlier, on June 18, the teams postponed their scheduled matchup due to similar conditions, rescheduling it as part of today’s doubleheader. For the Pirates, rain has been a recurring nemesis this season, with nine delays already on their record, including four during a recent homestand at PNC Park. Despite these interruptions, Pittsburgh has shown resilience, posting a 4-5 record in rain-affected games, highlighted by a thrilling 5-4 walk-off victory against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 6.
The Tigers, meanwhile, face their own challenges. After today’s doubleheader, they’re slated to jet off to Florida for a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, while the Pirates head home to face the Texas Rangers at PNC Park. The delay threatens to tighten an already packed schedule, testing the teams’ adaptability.
Weather at the Center of the Storm
The forecast for Detroit on June 19 paints a dreary picture: a high chance of rain with temperatures hovering around 61 degrees Fahrenheit—unusually chilly for mid-June. Meteorologists have flagged the potential for thunderstorms throughout the day, casting doubt on whether the game will proceed as hoped. The grounds crew at Comerica Park has rolled out the tarp, bracing for more showers, while fans vent their frustrations over the unseasonable weather, especially with a heatwave looming just days away.
A Pitching Showdown on Hold
Adding to the anticipation, this series pits two standout pitchers against the elements: Detroit’s Tarik Skubal (7-2, 1.99 ERA) and Pittsburgh’s Paul Skenes (4-6, 1.78 ERA). Skubal was slated to start the first game, with Skenes lined up for the second, promising a showcase of top-tier talent. While the doubleheader format means they won’t face off directly, fans had been buzzing about the matchup—only to have their excitement dampened by the delay.
Voices from the Dugout
As the wait drags on, players and coaches are keeping their focus. Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz summed up the mood: “It’s tough, you know. We’re ready to play, but the weather’s out of our control. We just have to stay prepared and be ready to go whenever they give us the green light.” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch struck a similar note of patience: “These things happen in baseball. We’ve got a great pitching matchup lined up, and the fans are excited. We just have to wait it out and hope the weather clears.”
Fans Caught in the Downpour
For supporters, the delay is a test of loyalty. Many had planned to catch both games of the doubleheader, and the shifting start time has thrown a wrench into their day. The Tigers have offered some relief, announcing that tickets from the June 18 postponement will be valid for the second game today, with an option to exchange them for another date. Still, as the rain taps out a steady rhythm on Comerica Park’s roof, the uncertainty lingers.
What’s Next?
With weather radar showing no immediate end to the showers, the Pirates and Tigers remain in limbo. Team officials, umpires, and weather experts are huddled in discussions, weighing whether the game can start soon or if further delays—or even another postponement—loom on the horizon. For now, the story of this matchup is less about home runs and strikeouts and more about tarps and patience, as baseball bows to the unpredictable whims of nature in the 2025 season.
