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Detroit Tigers right-hander Tarik Skubal delivered a dominant performance Friday night, recording a season-best 12 strikeouts across 7 1/3 innings while allowing just one run in a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner, whose name has surfaced in trade discussions ahead of his pending free agency, navigated a bases-loaded threat in the seventh inning before departing to a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd of 40,638.
Skubal took the mound for the eighth inning after throwing 89 pitches but exited following one additional batter, surrendering four hits and two walks in what could represent his final home appearance in a Tigers uniform. His 61st career win for Detroit came as reliever Kenley Jansen closed out the game with his 12th save of the season.
The Tigers struck quickly against Kansas City starter Beck Way, scoring twice in the first inning before Way was replaced. Dillon Dingler’s hit loading the bases set up Riley Greene’s long fly ball to left field, where Isaac Collins reached above the fence to rob a potential grand slam while allowing Colt Keith to score. Hao-Yu Lee extended the lead to 2-0 with an RBI single.
Kansas City answered with a run in the fourth inning when Nick Loftin drove in a run with a double to left field. The Royals threatened again in the seventh as Michael Massey’s double positioned runners at second and third with two outs, but Tyler Tolbert flew out to strand them.
Detroit’s victory improved its record to 50-54 overall and 28-16 since June 1, moving the team four wins closer to .500 for the first time since May 4. The teams continue their series Saturday with Casey Mize (4-6, 2.79 ERA) set to face Michael Wacha (5-7, 3.66 ERA) for the Royals.
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