Key facts
- Tarik Skubal returned to pitch for the Detroit Tigers for the first time since undergoing an elbow procedure on May 6.
- Skubal pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, striking out four batters, and issuing no walks.
- Daniel Schneemann hit a two-run home run off Skubal in the third inning, which proved to be the decisive blow.
- The Tigers lost the game to the Cleveland Guardians by a score of 3-1.
- The Cleveland Guardians have a 6-0 advantage in the season series against the Detroit Tigers.
Tarik Skubal, ace pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, returned to the mound for the first time since undergoing an innovative elbow procedure on May 6. Despite the team's relief at his return, Skubal expressed dissatisfaction with his performance, stating he "need[s] to be better." He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, striking out four, and giving up a crucial two-run home run to Daniel Schneemann in the third inning that gave the Cleveland Guardians a 3-1 lead. The Tigers ultimately lost the game 3-1, stranding 11 runners. Manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged Skubal's performance was not at his usual standard but was pleased to see him back. Skubal's fastball velocity was in the mid-90s mph, and his breaking pitches maintained their usual spin.
The Guardians are looking to sweep the three-game series against the Tigers on Sunday. Cleveland has a 39-33 record overall and a 19-17 record at home, while Detroit has a 29-42 record overall and an 11-26 record in road games. The Guardians have a 6-0 advantage in the season series against the Tigers. Jose Ramirez leads the Guardians with 18 doubles and 10 home runs, while Kyle Manzardo is batting .220 with three doubles and two home runs over his last 10 games. For the Tigers, Dillon Dingler leads with 31 extra base hits, and Kerry Carpenter has nine RBIs over his last 10 games.