Tigers’ Tarik Skubal Stuns with Historic Maddux in 5-0 Rout of Guardians

Detroit Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal delivered a jaw-dropping performance on Sunday, cementing his status as one of baseball’s elite pitchers in a 5-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Skubal achieved the rare Maddux—a complete-game shutout in nine innings with fewer than 100 pitches, a feat named after Hall of Famer Greg Maddux. With just 94 pitches, he allowed two hits and fanned 13 batters, marking the first complete game of his career.

This wasn’t just any shutout. Skubal made history as the only pitcher since 1988, when pitch counts were first tracked, to throw a shutout with 13 or more strikeouts on fewer than 100 pitches, per Sportsradar. He also became the first Tigers pitcher to record 10+ strikeouts in four consecutive home starts. The Comerica Park crowd roared as Skubal, visibly emotional, took the mound for the ninth. “I got a little teary-eyed,” he admitted, reflecting on the moment. “The 12-year-old me wouldn’t believe this.”

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch couldn’t hold back his praise: “When he’s at full throttle, the sky’s the limit.” With a sparkling 2.49 ERA and 92 strikeouts this season, Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner, continues to dazzle. This game wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.