Skubal's Tough Outing in Hometown Loss

0:00On April 1st, Targ Skuball took the mound for the Tigers in Phoenix against the Diamond Backs, but it turned into a tough one-zero shutout loss. Corbin Carroll crushed a solo homer in the first inning off an O2 fastball, and that was the only run Skuball gave up over seven strong innings. The back-to-back American League sigh young winner, wrapped up to Troy's season, opening six-game West Coast road trip with his outing at Chase Field. Skuball grew up in nearby Kingman, Arizona, just a few hours drive away, and he lives in the Phoenix area during the off season. A big crowd of family, friends, and locals packed the fans to cheer their hometown hero, spilling over from the Tigers section into right field. He even visited his old school in Kingman before spring training to inspire the kids. You could see the frustration on Skuball's face all afternoon, yelling into his glove after big outs. The Tigers' defense backed him up with double plays in three of his first six innings, thanks to plays from Kevin McGonigal and Labor Torres. The Diamondback starters that Galen mashed him pitch for pitch, blanking Detroit for six

1:04frames. Skuball threw just 87 pitches, scattering six hits with no walks in three strikeouts. His slider got some whiffs, but he couldn't buy a run against Galen. It was his second career start at Chase Field, and despite the bad break on that homer, he battled back solid. The road trip ends on a sour note, but Skuball's already looking sharp early in the season. Detroit heads home with momentum from his A-stuff intact. MLB news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on the Diamond.