The Detroit Tigers ace was absolutely dealing in the winner-take-all Game 5 of the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners. In six brilliant innings, the reigning Cy Young winner (who will likely soon pick up another trophy) struck out 13 Mariners batters while allowing just two hits over 99 pitches.
Skubal’s 13 strikeouts — the last of which was achieved via a 101 mph offering against 60-homer man Cal Raleigh to end the sixth inning — are the most ever by a pitcher in a winner-take-all playoff game, per MLB.
The prior mark in a winner-take-all game was 12 strikeouts, set just recently by Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler in the decisive Game 3 of their wild card series against the Red Sox.
For good measure, Skubal didn’t issue a single walk on the night.
He was lifted after six innings with the Tigers leading 2-1. Unfortunately for Skubal and Detroit, the bullpen surrendered the tying run in the bottom of the seventh and the team lost, 3-2, in 15 innings, ending its season.
Tarik Skubal stats vs. Mariners
Innings: 6
Hits: 2
Runs: 1
Walks: 0
Strikeouts: 13
Pitches: 99
This story has been updated with new information.