Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal took the mound in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series on Tuesday.
The Tigers were hoping Skubal's stellar performance in the regular season would carry over into the MLB postseason. He not only met expectations, he exceeded them.
Skubal struck out six batters over six innings and allowed no earned runs, leading the Tigers to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros.
The victory was the Tigers' first postseason victory since Game 4 of the 2013 AL Championship Series. This is the first time Detroit has made the playoffs since 2014.
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Tariq Skubal strikes out in the bottom of the sixth inning during Game 1 of the Wild Card Round of the 2024 MLB Playoffs against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston on October 1, 2024. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)
The Astros have made the playoffs for a franchise record eight consecutive years. Before Tuesday's loss, Houston had won an MLB-record 10 straight postseason openers. The game was also the Astros' 98th postseason game since 2017.
Trailing 3-0 entering the ninth inning, Houston scored on an RBI hit by Yainer Diaz, and Jason Heyward hit a game-ending lineout against Beau Briske to load the bases.
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Skubal, who won the American League pitching triple crown, had only four singles and one walk. The only hard hit the Astros took from him was one that hit Skuba. In the second inning, Diaz hit a come-from-behind hit that hit his right wrist.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal pitches in the bottom of the first inning of Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 in Houston. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)
“It was a good challenge,” Skubal said. “It was fun. It was a lot of fun. It was fun. It was probably the most nerve-wracking I've been since my debut. It was fun to deal with that. What a match. It was fun. I was so happy.'' It was a victory. ”
Yordan Alvarez, playing for the first time since spraining his right knee on September 22, started the ninth inning with a double off Jason Foley. Pinch runner Zach Dezenzo advanced to third base on an infield hit by Alex Bregman, and Diaz grounded out to right for a single.
Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez hits a single against the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the Wild Card Round of the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park in Houston on October 1, 2024. Ta. (Troy Taormina/Imagn Images)
Jeremy Peña was sacrificed, Briske relieved, and Victor Caratini flew to short left. Chas McCormick and Briske retired Heyward for the save.
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“Skubal has been really good all year,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “We had some chances in the middle of the game, but we didn't take advantage of them. But credit to him. He made the pitches, and we kept fighting until the end. In the ninth inning… I took a shot there, but I couldn't capitalize on it.'' It's not a big hit. ”
Game 2 of the best-of-three series is scheduled for Wednesday in Houston.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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