Watch: Tarik Skubal's NSFW reaction to Guardians fans as scoreless innings helps the Tigers take ALDS Game 2
The Cleveland Guardians seemingly laid down a marker after a 7-0 shutout win over the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS Game 1. However, the Tigers bounced back with a 3-0 win on Monday, thanks to ace Tarik Skubal's dominance from the mound.
Skubal, vying for the AL Cy Young Award this year after an impressive season, went head to head against Guardians' rotation which has been one of the best in the division.
The 27-year-old did get into some trouble in the fifth and sixth but escaped the jam in both innings after a double play. His NSFW outburst after one of the innings caught the attention of the fans.
"Shut the f*** yo," Skubal yelled while on his way to the dugout.
Tarik Skubal pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight batters. The Tigers got the better of Guardians reliever Emmanuel Clase for three runs in the ninth inning to tie the series.
Tarik Skubal reflects on his emotional reaction in ALDS Game 2
Following the Tigers' ALDS-levelling win, Tarik Skubal reflected on his reaction toward fans during the game.
Skubal said:
“That was -- again, I don't really know where I was at mentally in those situations, and I probably shouldn't say some bad words with some cameras on me with kids watching, but it was just emotion, raw emotion.”
Despite his NSFW reaction intended for the Guardians fans, Skubal hailed the Cleveland fans for creating a hostile atmosphere at Progressive Field.
“The environment here, first off, was great. I think Cleveland fans, this environment was incredible to play in, hostile, all that stuff that as a kid you dream of playing and pitching in front of. It was kind of both those things, I guess.”
Skubal, making his first postseason appearance this season, has made two starts and is yet to concede a run. The Cy Young contender has pitched 13 scoreless innings, six against the Astros and seven on Monday, allowing just seven hits.
With the series tied 1-1, the Guardians head to Progressive Field in Detroit for the next two games. Game 3 will commence on Wednesday after a day off for the AL teams.