The Tigers have not had much luck against the Oakland Athletics since ousting them from the postseason in two classic series way back in 2012 and 2013. Unfortunately, things didn’t change on Tuesday night. Tarik Skubal was hit hard, and the offense couldn’t string a rally together, losing 9-3 to open the three-game set.
Skubal allowed a leadoff double to Josh Harrison in the first inning, but shut down the A’s attempts to score him. He was then gifted a one-run lead when Robbie Grossman launched his 20th homer, a career high, off A’s starter Cole Irvin in the bottom of the first.