Tarik Skubal outdueled Paul Skenes as the Tigers beat the Pirates 3-2 on June 19. Riley Greene's clutch homer keeps Detroit atop the MLB. Read the recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a showdown that had the entire baseball world watching, Tarik Skubal proved once again why he's a frontrunner for the Cy Young award. Facing off against Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, Skubal was simply masterful, leading the Detroit Tigers to a gritty 3-2 victory at Comerica Park and cementing their spot atop the MLB standings.
7 innings, 2 runs, 9 strikeouts, 1 walk. Tarik Skubal's line against the Pirates, improving his record to 8-2.
The hype was real for this one. Skubal vs. Skenes was billed as a battle of titans, and it delivered. While Skenes was impressive, Skubal was on another level, commanding the zone and keeping the Pirates off balance all night. He went a full seven innings, allowing just two runs while striking out nine. The offense did just enough to back him up. Spencer Torkelson came through with a crucial RBI double, but the big blow came from Riley Greene, who launched his 17th homer of the year in the 6th. Alex Lange slammed the door in the ninth for his 18th save, capping off a statement win.
With the win, the Tigers now sit at a remarkable 46-25, the best record in all of baseball. But if you think the front office is satisfied, think again. Reports are swirling that the team is actively scouring the trade market for reinforcements ahead of the July deadline. Despite the success, there's a clear desire to add another veteran starting pitcher and a right-handed bat for the bench. This isn't just about winning the AL Central anymore; it's about building a roster that can win the World Series.
The push for another starting pitcher became even more critical with today's tough news from the farm system. Top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe, the 22-year-old fireballer, has been shut down for the remainder of the season with a right elbow injury. It's a devastating blow for Jobe and a significant hit to the organization's pitching depth. While the big-league club is rolling, this injury underscores the fragility of a pitching staff and validates the front office's search for external help.
On a much brighter note, the architects of tonight's win are getting the recognition they deserve. Tarik Skubal and Riley Greene continue to be forces in the early MLB All-Star Game voting returns. It's no surprise. Skubal's ERA remains under 2.00, making him a legitimate Cy Young contender, while Greene is among the league leaders in homers and RBIs. Their performances aren't just All-Star worthy; they are the engine driving the best team in baseball.
Thursday was a perfect microcosm of the 2025 Tigers: dominant, resilient, and yet facing challenges that will define their championship aspirations. With Skubal dealing and Greene mashing, the present is bright. But with Jobe's injury and the trade deadline looming, the front office's next moves will be critical in shaping whether this historic season ends with a parade down Woodward Avenue.
