Tigers’ Tarik Skubal completes dominating ‘Maddux’ vs Guardians
Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal showcased his talent and skill on Sunday with a remarkable performance against the Cleveland Guardians. Skubal achieved what is known as a “Maddux” in Major League Baseball – a shutout in at least nine innings with fewer than 100 pitches thrown. This statistic, named after Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, was created in 2012.
Skubal’s dominance on the mound was evident as he pitched a complete game, allowing only two hits and striking out an impressive 13 batters. With a total of 94 pitches thrown, he led the Tigers to a 5-0 victory over the Guardians, earning his first complete game of his career. His exceptional performance made him the only player in the major leagues to achieve a shutout with 13 or more strikeouts and fewer than 100 pitches since pitch tracking began in 1988, as reported by Sportsradar. Additionally, Skubal became the first Tigers player to record at least 10 strikeouts in four consecutive home games.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal’s remarkable achievement, stating, “When he’s got full intensity and full throttle, the sky is the limit.” Skubal admitted to feeling emotional before the ninth inning, as he heard the roar of the crowd at Comerica Park. Reflecting on the moment, he expressed gratitude for the support of the fan base and the opportunity to be in such a special moment.
With a season ERA of 2.49 and 92 strikeouts, Skubal continues to establish himself as one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball. His exceptional performance on Sunday solidified his reputation as a rising star in the sport.
In conclusion, Tarik Skubal’s outstanding performance against the Cleveland Guardians showcased his talent and determination on the field. His achievement of a “Maddux” and impressive pitching stats further solidify his position as a standout player in the league. Fans can look forward to watching Skubal continue to excel and make a significant impact in the world of baseball.
