Tarik Skubal unleashes 103 MPH fireball, 13 Ks and a historic shutout as Tigers tear apart the Guardians

Tarik Skubal delivered a masterclass on May 25, striking out 13 batters in a complete game shutout to lead the Detroit Tigers to a dominant 5–0 win over the Cleveland Guardians. It was a performance for the history books—efficient, electric, and absolutely unforgiving. Fitting, then, that Skubal is a Czech name meaning “to tear up,” and Tarik comes from the Arabic for “strike.” On this day, he did both.

Skubal's outing was nothing short of legendary. He pitched a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits and no walks. Remarkably, he achieved this feat with just 99 pitches, earning a "Maddux"—a complete game shutout under 100 pitches. This was the first of his career and marked the first time a Tigers pitcher accomplished such a feat with 13 strikeouts and fewer than three baserunners.

Skubal's dominance was evident from the start, retiring the first 15 batters he faced. His fastball velocity increased as the game progressed, culminating in a 102.6 mph pitch to end the game, the fastest pitch of his career and one of the fastest recorded by a starting pitcher deep into a game in the Statcast era.

The Tigers' offense provided ample support in the fourth inning, scoring five runs. Zach McKinstry initiated the rally with a two-run homer, followed by RBI hits from Gleyber Torres and Andy Ibáñez. This offensive burst was more than enough for Skubal, who maintained control throughout the game.

The victory was crucial for the Tigers, halting a three-game losing streak and preventing a series sweep by the Guardians. Skubal's performance not only secured the win but also showcased his potential as a leading force in the Tigers' rotation.

Who is Tarik Skubal?

Born in Hayward, California, Tarik Skubal was drafted by the Tigers in 2018. Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in college, he quickly ascended through the minor leagues, making his MLB debut in 2020. Known for his powerful fastball and sharp slider, Skubal has steadily improved each season.

In 2024, he earned his first All-Star selection and led the American League in several pitching categories, including WHIP and strikeouts. His dedication to refining his craft and his resilience through injuries have made him a cornerstone of the Tigers' pitching staff.