Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal struck out six batters and allowed no earned runs over six innings, helping the Tigers to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros in the first game of their American League wild-card series.
In a thrilling start to the American League wild-card series, Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal delivered a dominant performance on the mound, leading his team to a crucial 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
Skubal, who won the AL pitching Triple Crown this season, allowed just four singles and walked one in six innings of work. He was struck on the right wrist by a comebacker in the second inning, but remained in the game and continued to stifle the Astros' offense.
Tarik Skubal's Stellar Performance Leads Tigers to Playoff Victory
"It was a good challenge," Skubal said after the game. "It was fun. It was a ton of fun. I enjoyed it. It's probably the most nervous I've been since my debut. That was also fun to deal with. What a game. It was fun, glad to come out with a win."
The Astros, who have won a MLB-record ten consecutive postseason openers, struggled to generate any offense against Skubal. The only hard hit against him was a double by Yordan Alvarez in the ninth inning.
Tarik Skubal's Stellar Performance Leads Tigers to Playoff Victory
"Skubal has been really good all year," Astros manager Joe Espada said. "We had a few chances there in the middle of the game, and we couldn't capitalize. But credit to him. He made pitches. And we battled until the end. We had a shot there in the ninth, and we just couldn't get a big hit."
The Tigers' offense provided just enough support for Skubal, scoring all three of their runs in the first inning on a single by Javier Baez, a walk by Miguel Cabrera, and a wild pitch by Astros starter Luis Garcia.
Tarik Skubal's Stellar Performance Leads Tigers to Playoff Victory
The Astros threatened in the ninth inning, loading the bases with one out, but Beau Brieske came on in relief and retired Jason Heyward to record the save.
The victory marks the Tigers' first postseason win since 2013 and their first playoff appearance since 2014. The second game of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Wednesday in Houston.
* Skubal's performance was particularly impressive considering he had not pitched in a playoff game before.
* The Tigers' defense also played a key role in the victory, making several key plays behind Skubal.
* The Astros, who were the AL West champions, will now need to win two consecutive games to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
* The Tigers, who were the AL Central champions, are now one win away from advancing to the AL Division Series.
* The atmosphere at Minute Maid Park was electric, with both teams' fans cheering loudly throughout the game.
* The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 41,182 fans.
* The Tigers are now 1-0 in the playoffs this year, while the Astros are 0-1.
* The winner of the AL wild-card series will face the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Division Series.
* The AL Division Series is scheduled to start on Thursday, October 6.
