Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Allows Grand Slam in 8-3 Loss to Athletics

Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers delivered a strong pitching performance against the Athletics, striking out 12 batters and controlling the game for six innings before a seventh-inning collapse led to a loss. Despite allowing six runs (only one earned) and battling defensive errors, Skubal's overall dominance was evident, highlighting his status as a leading pitcher and likely American League Cy Young Award favorite. Skubal, who grew up near Sacramento, expressed excitement about pitching close to family, though speculation continues about his future with the Tigers given his impending free agency and the challenges of negotiating an extension with his agent, Scott Boras. The Tigers remain strong contenders for the postseason, holding a commanding lead in the AL Central and boasting one of the best records in baseball. Skubal's success is attributed not only to his powerful pitching and improved changeup but also to a carefully managed routine that balances intense training with recovery, helping him avoid injury and maintain peak performance. His ability to know when to pull back and adjust his regimen has been critical to his rise as one of the sport's top pitchers.