Tarik Skubal gave up two runs over seven innings, Parker Meadows made a key homer-saving catch in the eighth, and the Detroit Tigers won 6-2 against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.
“It was a huge play, a game-changer,” said Detroit manager A.J. Hinch. “When the ball is hit to center, I feel settled because you feel like Parker is going to make (the catch).”
Skubal (13-4) was dominant at times, allowing only three hits, striking out nine, and continuing to build his case for the AL Cy Young Award.
However, Meadows’ catch became the memorable moment of the game as Seattle dropped out of first place in the AL West, falling a half-game behind Houston.
With two outs in the bottom of the eighth and Seattle trailing 3-2, Cal Raleigh hit a deep drive to center field off Jason Foley’s slider. Meadows tracked the ball, timed his jump perfectly, and caught it above the top of the wall.
“My job was to get to the wall and get to a spot, look up and find it,” Meadows said. “In that situation, it is pretty cool. You saw the emotions; I don’t do that very often.”
Raleigh’s home run in the fourth inning with Randy Arozarena on base was the only mistake in Skubal’s otherwise excellent performance.
Skubal, who played college baseball nearby at Seattle University, retired the first 10 batters he faced and is now tied with three other pitchers for the most wins in baseball.
“It is always fun for me to throw here,” Skubal said. “I (have) to try and not make the game bigger than it already is. I enjoy it.”
Wenceel Pérez started the game with a home run, and Jake Rogers hit a solo shot in the fourth inning. In the ninth inning, Matt Vierling and Gio Urshela each had an RBI single as the Tigers scored three more runs after Meadows’ catch.
Seattle’s George Kirby struggled through five innings, throwing 97 pitches with 65 strikes. Kirby (8-8) struck out seven and gave up three runs.
