**Tigers Stun Astros in AL Wild Card Opener**
In a thrilling matchup, the Detroit Tigers took down the Houston Astros 3-1 in the opening game of the American League Wild Card Series on Tuesday. Tarik Skubal, the league’s top pitcher, delivered a phenomenal performance in his playoff debut, leading the Tigers to their first postseason victory since 2013.
Skubal allowed just four singles and one walk in six innings, with the only hard-hit ball coming off his own wrist in the second inning. His impressive outing made him the first pitching Triple Crown winner to win his first postseason start in the same year since Sandy Koufax in 1963.
The Tigers jumped on Astros ace Framber Valdez early, scoring three runs in the second inning. Wenceel Perez singled, Spencer Torkelson walked, and Parker Meadows grounded into a forceout, setting up consecutive RBI singles from Jake Rogers, Trey Sweeney, and Matt Vierling.
Valdez, who struggled in the postseason last year, continued his playoff woes, giving up three runs and seven hits in just 4 1/3 innings. The Astros’ ace, who ranked third in the AL with a 2.91 ERA in the regular season, couldn’t find his rhythm against the Tigers.
The Astros threatened in the ninth, scoring one run on Yainer Diaz’s RBI single and loading the bases. However, Jason Heyward hit a game-ending lineout against Beau Brieske to secure the win for the Tigers.
Detroit manager A.J. Hinch, who led the Astros to a championship in 2017, returned to Houston and guided his team to a crucial victory. Hinch improved to 5-0 in postseason openers, the second-most wins without a loss in postseason history.
The Astros, who had won a record 10 consecutive postseason openers, saw their streak come to an end. The series continues on Wednesday in Houston, with the Tigers looking to take a commanding lead.
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