PITTSBURGH — Once again, Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal struggled in the first inning.
He bounced back for perfect second and third innings before manager AJ Hinch removed him from the game. Through 25 starts this season, the 24-year-old has a 6.48 ERA in the first frame but often improves for the rest of his outing.
This time, Skubal didn't get the chance to continue rolling in the Tigers' 6-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in Monday's series opener at PNC Park. Reliever Kyle Funkhouser conceded four runs in the seventh inning to squander a one-run lead.