Detroit is the city known for automobiles and if one thing was absolutely roaring like an engine, it was Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. Anytime he takes the mound it is appointment television. Cancel your plans and set up shop to watch greatness unfold. That is exactly what the Detroit faithful got this afternoon, as Skubal pitched his first ever complete game and it was in historic fashion.

Skubal Pitches a Maddux

This is the second time this season that a pitcher has achieved a Maddux. A Maddux is when a pitcher throws a complete game in fewer than 100 pitches. Texas Rangers southpaw Nathan Eovaldi was the first to do it this season and now Skubal has done the same.

The Tigers defeated the Guardians 5-0 and Skubal pitched a complete game shutout. He was absolutely immaculate on the mound, showing impeccable command as well. He threw 94 pitches, with 72 going for strikes which is good for 76% strike rate. Only throwing 22 balls is pretty remarkable. That’s just the beginning of how great this outing really was.

Skubal saw his velocity skyrocket through the roof in this outing. He was able to reach 100 MPH on three different occasions with 102.6 being the top out velocity. Sheesh. Talk about throwing absolute gas and blowing by people.

It only gets better. Pairing with the elite velocity was the swing and miss, which saw Skubal generate 26 of those throughout the outing. In the process he was able to tie his career high with 13 strikeouts, which is also his season high. It’s the third time this month that he’s thrown 10+ strikeouts in a single outing. Batters have had quite a hard time doing much against him and he’s turning it on.

Skubal threw a very equal amount of pitches between his changeup, four seam fastball, and sinker. The velocity was up a tick on all of his pitches, which is lovely. Best part? Every pitch has a significantly high whiff rate. Overall, he finished with a 45% whiff rate, with his changeup leading the way with 67%.

It is always a treat to watching Skubal pitch, but today was extra special given the historic aspect of it all.