Padres fall to Tigers 8-2 on Opening Day

The Padres began their 2026 campaign with a disappointing start, losing to Tarik Skubal and the Tigers 8-2. Things got off to a rocky start when Nick Pivetta allowed 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in the top of the 1st inning, putting the Friars in a big hole to begin the game against the two-time reigning AL Cy Young champ. The Padres had a chance to strike back in the bottom of the 1st with Jackson Merrill at the plate with one out and runners at the corners, but he struck out, followed by an inning-ending groundout by Miguel Andujar. Parker Meadows gave the Tigers a 6-0 lead on a 2-run single off of Pivetta in the 3rd inning, which would be the final frame for Pivetta on his first career Opening Day start. Dillon Dingler blasted a 2-run homer off of Ron Marinaccio in the 5th inning, putting the game well out of reach. As has been the issue with the Padres' offense in years past, they struggled to hit with men in scoring position, going 0-6 and stranding 7 baserunners. The Padres will send Michael King to the mound to face Framber Valdez on Friday night.