Detroit, Michigan- The Detroit Tigers avoided a four-game sweep in emphatic fashion on Sunday afternoon, riding the electric left arm of Tarik Skubal to a 5–0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Comerica Park. In a game that may come to define Skubal’s ascent in the American League, the 27-year-old hurler delivered his first career complete game, showcasing masterful command and overpowering stuff against one of the league’s most disciplined lineups.
Skubal was nothing short of brilliant on the mound. He allowed only two hits, walked none, and struck out 13 batters — tying his career high in punchouts. From the first pitch, he dictated the tempo, mixing a lively fastball with a devastating changeup and a sharp slider that kept Cleveland hitters off balance. Skubal’s efficiency was just as impressive as his dominance, needing only 105 pitches to record 27 outs. His control of the strike zone and ability to get ahead early in counts were key components of his success.
The Tigers’ offense came alive in the fourth inning, providing all the run support Skubal would need. Zach McKinstry opened the scoring with a towering two-run homer to right field off Guardians starter Logan Allen. The blast was followed by a flurry of doubles from Javier Báez and Gleyber Torres, helping Detroit extend its lead. A throwing error by Allen on a routine grounder further unraveled Cleveland’s defense and pushed the Tigers’ lead to five.
Offensively, it was a welcome burst for a Tigers team that had struggled to generate consistent run production throughout the series. The bottom of the lineup sparked the rally, which manager A.J. Hinch credited to disciplined at-bats and situational hitting. For Detroit, this offensive outburst served as a much-needed boost of confidence after dropping the first three games of the series.
Meanwhile, Cleveland came into Sunday’s contest riding a wave of momentum, having taken the first three games by showcasing clutch hitting and solid bullpen work. However, they rested key leadoff man Steven Kwan, who had started every game this season until Sunday, and were without veteran first baseman Carlos Santana, who was scratched with left leg tightness. Their absence was felt, as the Guardians managed only a pair of singles and struggled to mount any real threat against Skubal.
The Guardians still exited Detroit with a 3–1 series win, maintaining their strong position in the AL Central standings. They remain one of the most balanced teams in the league, but Sunday’s performance was a reminder that dominant pitching can dismantle even the most consistent offenses. Manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged Skubal’s excellence, saying postgame, “He was in complete control today. We had no answers.”
For the Tigers, Sunday’s win reaffirmed their place atop the AL Central with a 34–20 record and highlighted why Skubal is emerging as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball. His ERA dropped to 2.12, and his strikeout total continues to climb, placing him among the league leaders. With the Tigers aiming to contend deep into the summer, Skubal’s development into a reliable ace may be the difference-maker.
Detroit now looks ahead to its next series with renewed momentum and belief, knowing that with Tarik Skubal dominating on the mound, they can compete with anyone in the league. Sunday’s win wasn’t just a bounce-back — it was a statement. One that said the Tigers aren’t going anywhere, and with Skubal leading the rotation, they may just be getting started.
