Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal delivers in bittersweet homecoming vs. Tigers

Tarik Skubal was filled with gratitude and emotion when he returned to Comerica Park for Friday’s inter-league showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers, but once he stepped on the mound, the shark emerged. The two-time American League Cy Young winner stymied his former ballclub for most of the night, with a Max Clark RBI triple serving as his only real mistake. The left-handed ace earnestly hoped that a midseason split could be avoided, but he is not going to take pity on anyone.

Not even the organization he represented for eight years. Skubal had a job to do, and to no one’s surprise, he did it well. The veteran southpaw flourished in his old stomping grounds, allowing only one run on four hits and recording seven strikeouts without walking a single batter. His six-inning gem allowed the Dodgers to buy time before they took the lead via a Freddie Freeman single in the eighth.

Skubal did not get the win, but he enjoys a marvelous homecoming just the same. The prized acquisition maintained his poise in a lively environment and posted the best start of his brief LA tenure. He is healthy, mentally sharp and hungry for championship success.

The three-peat chasing Dodgers should be salivating. Tigers fans, on the other hand, have a tough night of sleep ahead of them. Detroit knew it had to say goodbye once the season turned sour, but a practical choice does little to mend the wounds left by the loss of a franchise great.

Perhaps both parties will get the opportunity to make more memories together down the road. But right now, Tarik Skubal is sprinting alongside LA all the way to October.

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