CINCINNATI — Tarik Skubal struck out a career-high 13 in seven innings, Zach McKinstry hit a two-run homer and the Detroit Tigers swept a series for the first time since late May, beating the Cincinnati Reds 5-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Skubal (10-3) was sharp, mixing a fastball in the upper-90s with a changeup to keep Reds hitters on their heels. He allowed just three hits and walked no one. Cincinnati’s only run came on a seventh-inning groundout.
McKinstry drove in Detroit’s first run with a base hit in the fourth inning off Reds starter Graham Ashcraft (5-5) before his two-run blast to right field in the eighth off Alexis Diaz, the usually reliable Cincinnati closer.
Colt Keith had two hits and RBI, and Gio Urshela had three hits for the Tigers.
Ashcraft allowed a run and six hits with two strikeouts and three walks through 4 2/3 innings.
Detroit beat the Reds 5-4 on Friday and 5-3 on Saturday.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Reds: Put OF list Nick Martini (left thumb injury) on the 10-day injury list and recalled INF Livan Soto from AAA-Louisville.
UP NEXT
Tigers: Return home for a four-game series with the Cleveland Guardians. They’ll send right-hander Gavin Williams (0-1, 11.25 ERA) against Guardians right-hander Keider Montero (1-2, 6.60) on Monday night.
Reds: Host Colorado for a four-game set starting Monday, when lefty Andrew Abbott (8-6, 3.28) is scheduled to start against a Rockies pitcher still to be determined.
In a thrilling matchup between the Detroit Tigers and the Cincinnati Reds, the Tigers emerged victorious with a final score of 5-3. The win was fueled by standout performances from young pitchers Tarik Skubal and infielder Zack McKinstry.
Skubal, a promising left-handed pitcher for the Tigers, delivered a stellar performance on the mound, striking out seven batters over six innings while only allowing two runs. His command of the strike zone and ability to keep the Reds’ hitters off balance proved crucial in securing the win for the Tigers.
On the offensive side, Zack McKinstry shined for the Tigers, going 2-for-4 at the plate with a key RBI double in the fifth inning. His clutch hitting and solid defense at second base helped propel the Tigers to victory over the Reds.
The Tigers’ win over the Reds was a testament to the team’s young talent and potential for success in the future. With players like Skubal and McKinstry stepping up and making big plays when it mattered most, the Tigers are showing that they have what it takes to compete with some of the best teams in the league.
As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more exciting matchups and strong performances from the Tigers’ up-and-coming stars. With Skubal and McKinstry leading the way, the Tigers are poised to make a statement in the league and continue their winning ways.