Tigers News: Tarik Skubal dominates in tight win against Red Sox

Tarik Skubal delivered an impressive performance as the Detroit Tigers narrowly defeated the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Saturday night.

Skubal pitched eight innings, marking the longest outing of his career, and struck out eight batters while allowing just one run on four hits without issuing a walk.

With this victory, Skubal improved his record to 16-4 and became the first pitcher in Major League Baseball to surpass 200 strikeouts this season, reaching a total of 201. Tyler Holton closed the game for the Tigers, earning his sixth save.

"I didn't really know where I was at," Skubal said of his strikeout total . "But I got tagged on Instagram with something that said I had 193. I knew I needed seven. That's why I was a little more fired up behind that one in the sixth inning in a situation that wasn't that big."

The Tigers' offense was led by Trey Sweeney, who drove in both runs with a double. Spencer Torkelson was the only player from either team to record multiple hits, contributing two singles and scoring a run.

The Red Sox's Nick Pivetta, who fell to 5-10, pitched six innings, giving up two runs and six hits while striking out six. Tyler O'Neill provided the Red Sox's only run with a home run in the first inning, his 25th of the season.

Detroit took the lead in the second inning after Torkelson's single and Zach McKinstry's double set the stage for Sweeney's two-run double. The Tigers had opportunities to extend their lead but were unable to capitalize further.

Skubal maintained control throughout the game, retiring the last eight batters he faced. His final pitch was a 99 mph fastball that struck out Ceddanne Rafaela. O'Neill managed to walk in the ninth, but Rafael Devers lined out to end the game.

The Tigers and Red Sox will continue their three-game series on Sunday afternoon.