Tarik Skubal kicked off the 2024 season the same way he ended 2023: dominant.
In five starts last September Skubal allowed three earned runs in 30 innings of work for a 0.90 ERA and struck out 43, while walking just four. It was that hot finish that generated talks of a potential Cy Young in the cards for Skubal this season.
On Thursday he punched out six and allowed just three hits across six innings as the Tigers…
Skubal touched 99 on the radar gun and earned 11 swings and misses with his fastball. He struck out the side in the 4th inning.
Javier Baez’s season got off to a good start, singling in his first at-bat off Garret Crochet in the 3rd inning. He then stole second base and eventually scored the game’s only run on an Andy Ibáñez sac fly.
The Tigers weren’t able to extend their lead any further, despite threatening with the bases loaded and two in the top of the 8th.
The bullpen was able to make that one run hold up, with a scoreless 7th from Shelby Miller, followed by four straight outs — including two Ks — by Andrew Chafin.
Jason Foley slammed the door shut in the 9th, striking out the final two batters, thanks to his triple-digit sinker.
Colt Keith notched his first career hit in his first career game, an infield single in the 4th inning. Spencer Torkelson went 2-for-4.
Offseason signing Kenta Maeda will take the mound Tuesday, going up against Chicago's Michael Soroka. First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m., live on 97.1 The Ticket.