Tigers’ Pitcher Tarik Skubal Sets Major League Record in his 1st Complete Game

Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal pitched the 1st complete game of his major league career on May 25th, and set a major league record in the process. Skubal struck out 13 while throwing just 94 pitches in the Detroit Tigers 5-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians in Detroit. Skubal is the only pitcher to throw a shut out with 13 or more strikeouts on fewer than 100 pitches, at least since 1988 when pitch counts began to be tracked. Seventy-two of those 94 pitches were strikes; he allowed two hits, one hit by pitch, and no walks. Skubal improved to 5-2 with a 2.49 ERA on the season.

Detroit scored all five runs in the fourth inning. Zach McKinstry had the big hit, a two run homer. The Tigers (34-20) are in first place in the AL Central, four games ahead of second place Cleveland and Minnesota, both of which are 29-23.