Detroit Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12. Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

Tarik Skubal Making History No One Has Ever Seen Before as He Continues Incredible Run

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 9:30 AM ET

Detroit Tigers' left-hander Tarik Skubal continued the dominant start to his season on Thursday as the Tigers took the first game of a doubleheader from the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-2.

Skubal, the reigning American League Cy Young winner, went 5.2 innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out six, moving to 8-2 on the year. He owns a miniscule 2.06 ERA.

He's also making baseball history we've never seen before, per @OptaSTATS on social media:

The @Tigers' Tarik Skubal has recorded 100+ strikeouts, a 2.50 ERA or lower & fewer than 20 walks allowed through 15 games in each of the last two seasons.

No other pitcher in MLB history has recorded back-to-back campaigns with such starts.

The @Tigers' Tarik Skubal has recorded 100+ strikeouts, a 2.50 ERA or lower & fewer than 20 walks allowed through 15 games in each of the last two seasons.

No other pitcher in MLB history has recorded back-to-back campaigns with such starts. pic.twitter.com/occwuuyn2h
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) June 19, 2025

The 28-year-old Skubal has struck out 117 batters in 96.0 innings this year, which follows up a 228-strikeout season in 2024.

Destined to be an All-Star again, there's a chance that he starts the game for the American League, which will be managed by Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees.

Detroit is now 48-28 on the season, which is the best record in the American League.

The Tigers will be back in action on Friday night when they take on the surging Tampa Bay Rays at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.

First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET as right-hander Jack Flaherty (DET) battles against fellow righty Shane Baz (TBR).

Flaherty has put together an up-and-down season, going 5-7 thus far with a 4.03 ERA. Baz is 6-3 with a 4.54 ERA.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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