Tarik Skubal struck out a career-high 10 batters and Jake Rogers homered, propelling the Detroit Tigers to a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night. The win secured Detroit’s fourth consecutive series victory and continued their push toward a potential postseason berth.
The Tigers’ recent success hinges on the dominant performances of Skubal and the steady contributions of Rogers, bolstering a team aiming to end a playoff drought stretching back to 2014.Detroit entered the game 68-63, holding a narrow lead in the American League Wild Card standings, and this win further solidifies their position as contenders.
Skubal, pitching seven strong innings, allowed two runs on five hits and walked none. his 10 strikeouts marked a new personal best, showcasing his growing dominance as a frontline starter. Rogers’ home run, a two-run shot in the third inning, extended his hitting streak to nine games and provided a crucial offensive spark.
“I felt good out there,just trying to attack the zone,” Skubal said after the game. “The guys were making plays behind me, and Rogers gave us a lead. It’s a good team win.”
The Tigers added insurance runs in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Kerry Carpenter and in the eighth on a single by Spencer Torkelson. Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans took the loss,allowing three runs in five innings.Kansas City managed to score on a Salvador Perez solo home run in the fourth and a Bobby Witt Jr. RBI single in the seventh. However, Detroit’s bullpen, lead by reliever Alex Lange, shut down the Royals in the final two innings to preserve the victory.