In Kansas City, the Detroit Tigers continued their winning streak by defeating the Royals 4-2, with pitcher Tarik Skubal earning his 17th win of the season. The Tigers are now within half a game of a playoff spot with only 10 games left in the season. This victory marks the Tigers’ fourth consecutive win and their ninth in the last 11 games. The team’s recent success has propelled them into playoff contention, trailing just behind the Minnesota Twins for the third AL wild-card spot.
Riley Greene contributed to the Tigers’ win with a crucial go-ahead home run. Manager A.J. Hinch praised the team’s resilience and competitive spirit, emphasizing their commitment to winning every game. Skubal’s pitching performance was instrumental in the victory, as he allowed only three hits over five innings and solidified his case for the AL Cy Young Award with his impressive 2.48 ERA.
Despite previous struggles against the Royals, Skubal delivered a dominant performance, striking out seven batters and containing Kansas City’s offense. Royals manager Matt Quatraro acknowledged Skubal’s elite pitching abilities, noting his aggressive approach on the mound. Skubal’s emotional response after striking out Salvador Perez demonstrated his determination to succeed in crucial moments.
The Royals, now on a four-game losing streak, were swept by the Tigers for the first time at home this season. Despite the loss, Kansas City remains in the playoff race, trailing the Baltimore Orioles for the first wild-card spot. Skubal’s success on the mound, including key strikeouts against top batters like Bobby Witt Jr., helped secure the Tigers’ victory.
Tigers rookie 3B Colt Keith sustained a shoulder injury during Tuesday’s game and is currently day-to-day. The team is monitoring his condition closely to ensure he can return to play soon. Looking ahead, the Tigers have yet to announce a starting pitcher for their upcoming series opener against Baltimore. On the other hand, the Royals are set to have RHP Michael Wacha start their next home series against the San Francisco Giants, with Wacha boasting an impressive track record against the Giants.
