Skubal, Skenes Star as Tigers, Pirates Battle

Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal struck out 11 over 6.2 innings with no walks, helping end Detroit's six-game losing streak with a 2-1 win over the Texas Rangers. Skubal leads the American League with a 2.19 ERA and a 0.81 WHIP, and joined Clayton Kershaw as the only pitchers since 1901 with 160+ strikeouts, 20 or fewer walks, and a sub-2.20 ERA in 20 starts. Despite a late wild pitch preventing him from earning the win, Skubal recorded his seventh double-digit strikeout game and 12th quality start. The Tigers improved to 60-40 and remain atop the AL Central as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Pirates. In that upcoming series, Pirates rookie Paul Skenes delivered six scoreless innings against Detroit, lowering his ERA to 1.91 and earning Pittsburgh a rare victory. However, Pirates fans expressed frustration with team management and the lack of offensive support for Skenes.