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Tigers, Guardians Tied Atop AL Central After Skubal’s Costly Sixth Inning

With five games left, Cleveland owns the tiebreaker, prompting Detroit to schedule Tarik Skubal for two starts this week.

Sep 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts after Cleveland Guardians designated hitter David Fry (6) was hit in the face by a foul ball in the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
Sep 23, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Detroit Tigers watch from the dugout in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Cleveland beat Detroit 5-2 on Tuesday at Progressive Field, taking control with a three-run sixth in which no ball left the infield.
  • Tarik Skubal made a between-the-legs throwing error, threw a wild pitch that scored a run, and was called for a balk before another run scored, allowing three total (one earned).
  • Opta Stats reported it was the first time a former Cy Young winner had an error, a wild pitch, and a balk in the same inning.
  • The standings are level at 85-72 with the Guardians holding the head-to-head edge after a 17-5 September surge against the Tigers’ 5-14 slide.
  • Detroit has lined up Skubal to pitch twice this week to keep him available for a possible Sunday finale at Fenway Park, a move that could affect his Wild Card usage, while the Tigers also hold a slim lead and the tiebreaker over the Astros for the final berth.