Tarik Skubal is embracing the intensity of Major League Baseball’s postseason.
In a pivotal matchup against the Cleveland Guardians during Game 2 of the American League Division Series, the Detroit Tigers pitcher delivered an impressive performance. Skubal pitched seven scoreless innings, using 92 pitches and recording eight strikeouts, effectively keeping the Tigers competitive in a tense scoreless game.
He began strong, throwing four perfect innings before facing challenges in the fifth and sixth. In the fifth, after allowing a double and hitting a batter, Skubal managed to get Andrés Giménez to ground into a double play, which left one runner stranded in scoring position.
In the sixth inning, the Guardians had two hits that placed runners on the corners with one out, but once again, Skubal induced a double play. He caused a slow chopper off the bat of David Fry, which was fielded by Trey Sweeney, who quickly relayed the ball to Colt Keith, and then to a stretching Spencer Torkelson to complete the double play.
After the Tigers turned the critical double play, Skubal left the mound and engaged the Cleveland crowd, encouraging them for more noise.
Despite Skubal’s outstanding performance, the Tigers were still tied in a scoreless game, managing only four hits against Guardians starter Matthew Boyd in the first 4⅔ innings and failing to capitalize on two opportunities with runners in scoring position.
The Tigers and Guardians will have an off day on Tuesday, leading up to Game 3 at Comerica Park in Detroit on Wednesday.