Skubal dominates with 14 strikeouts as Tigers take the lead in the Wild Card Series

CLEVELAND – Tarik Skubal delivered one of the best performances of his career at the most important moment, and the Detroit Tigers struck first in the American League Wild Card Series after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Tuesday night at Progressive Field.

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The lefty, who reached 100 mph on several occasions, worked seven innings of one run, allowing just three hits and striking out 14 batters, a figure that equals the franchise record in a postseason game (Joe Coleman in 1972). Detroit took advantage of small ball to manufacture the decisive run in the seventh inning. With Riley Greene on third after a double and a defensive error, Zach McKinstry surprised with a bunt down the first base line that allowed the go-ahead run to score, mirroring the same strategy that has so often characterized their rival. The Guardians threatened in the ninth inning, placing the tying run on third with no outs, but closer Will Vest escaped the jam by retiring José Ramírez at the plate and hanging the save. With this triumph, the Tigres take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and are one victory away from advancing to the Divisional Series. In the history of the format, 90% of the teams that win Game 1 end up winning the series, a statistic that now plays in Detroit’s favor. Game 2 will be played this Wednesday, with the Guardians obliged to win to force a decisive third match.