Tigers' Tarik Skubal Kicks Off Season With Victory

Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner dominates Padres in season opener

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:05am

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Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, earned the victory in his season debut against the San Diego Padres on Thursday. Skubal allowed just one unearned run on three hits over six strong innings, striking out six batters.

Why it matters

Skubal's dominant performance to start the season is an encouraging sign for the Tigers, who are hoping their ace can build on his Cy Young-winning campaign and lead the team back to the playoffs.

The details

Skubal took the mound with a 4-0 lead and never let the Padres get back into the game. He didn't yield a run until the sixth inning, when an error behind him led to an unearned run. Skubal threw 49 of his 74 pitches for strikes and racked up 11 swinging strikes.

  • Skubal earned the win over San Diego on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Tarik Skubal

The Detroit Tigers' ace pitcher and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner.

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What’s next

Skubal is tentatively scheduled to make his next start on Wednesday, April 2, 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The takeaway

Skubal's dominant season-opening performance is a positive sign for the Tigers, who are counting on their ace to lead them back to the playoffs after his Cy Young-winning campaign in 2025.