If Detroit Tigers rookie Tarik Skubal wanted to make a statement, he did just that Thursday against the Boston Red Sox.
He struggled in July, recording a 5.86 ERA over 27u2154 innings and five starts. The underling numbers were strong — three walks and 23 strikeouts — but he conceded nine home runs, including three in each of his past two outings.
On Thursday, though, Skubal delivered his first scoreless start since May 30 against the New York Yankees. He carried the Tigers (53-58) through five innings to do his part in an 8-1 win — and series victory — in the finale at Comerica Park.