Students were able to keep up with the game in class Tuesday as Kingman Academy of Learning graduate Tarik Skubal pitched the Detroit Tigers past the Astros 3-1 in Houston in game one of their American League playoff matchup. Photo courtesy Kingman Academy of Learning
KINGMAN – Kingman baseball prodigy Tarik Skubal shined bright and earned the win in his first major league baseball playoff appearance Tuesday. The 27-year-old starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers tossed six scoreless innings, giving up just four hits and one walk while striking out six Astros in Houston.
Skubal, the heavy favorite to win the Cy Young award as the American League’s most outstanding pitcher, dazzled and dominated and positioned himself for a possible shutout before Houston scored off the bullpen in the ninth inning. The Astros loaded the bases in a dramatic rally before Detroit registered the final out for a 3-1 Tiger victory.
The broadcast team of Michael Kay, Todd Frazier, Tim Kurkjian and Alden Gonzalez used many superlatives as they raved about Skubal’s talent during the national telecast on ABC-TV. Kurkjian emphatically predicted that Skubal will win the coveted AL Cy Young award by unanimous vote.
Skubal, a 6-3, 240-pound lefty, graduated from the Kingman Academy of Learning (KAOL). The telecast was displayed in numerous KAOL classrooms so students could monitor the ballgame while studying.
Kingman Facebook feeds in recent days have been filled with Skubal related posts. Many noted that he won the AL triple crown in pitching, finishing first in three categories with 18 wins, 228 strikeouts and a 2.39 earned run average during the regular season.
Skubal battery mate, catcher Jake Rogers, was impressed but not surprised by Skubal’s composure and impressive performance.
“That’s what he’s done all year. He’s been electric. He’s been in the zone and challenged guys all year,” Rogers said during the post-game interview on ABC-TV. “Skub was Skub and it was awesome!”
The Tigers can close out the Astros and advance to the next round of the AL playoffs with a Wednesday win in Houston.
Dave Hawkins
