Mon May 26 22:10:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Skubal Shuts Down Guardians, Makes History in Complete Game Shutout**
DETROIT – Tarik Skubal delivered a masterful performance Sunday, pitching a complete game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians in a 5-0 victory that prevented a four-game sweep. The Tigers ace showcased his dominance, striking out a career-high-tying 13 batters while allowing just two hits and no walks.
Skubal’s historic outing was punctuated by a 102.6 mph fastball on his final strikeout of Gabriel Arias, marking the fastest strikeout pitch by a starting pitcher since pitch-tracking began in 1988. The Comerica Park crowd erupted in cheers and a standing ovation as Skubal took the mound in the ninth inning, chanting his name in appreciation.
“Little teary-eyed out there, honestly, before the inning started,” Skubal said. “It was pretty cool. I just thought to myself, ’12-year-old me wouldn’t believe that was an opportunity to have the fan base support you the way it does and be in that moment.'”
Skubal’s performance places him in elite company. He is the only major leaguer to throw a shutout with 13 or more strikeouts on fewer than 100 pitches since pitch counts started being tracked in 1988. He is also the first player in Tigers franchise history to throw a complete game without a walk, with two or fewer hits and 13 strikeouts.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal’s performance, saying, “Sometimes, it’s your big boy’s day and you’ve got to leave him out there.”
Despite falling short of a perfect game after a sixth-inning double, Skubal (5-2) remained in control, finishing with a 94-pitch outing that included just 22 balls. He is also the first Tiger to record 10+ strikeouts in four straight home games.
Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged Skubal’s talent, stating, “He’s the best pitcher in baseball and he showed it today.”
First Piper 