Tigers' Tarik Skubal Hailed by MLB Fans for Beating José Altuve, Astros in Game 1

The Houston Astros persevered and overcame a brutal start to become division champions. Now, they're already on the brink of elimination from the 2024 MLB playoffs.

Houston fell 3-1 to the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the best-of-three American League Wild Card Series.

In the bottom of the ninth and having scored one run, the Astros got runners on second and third with one out. First baseman Victor Caratini lined out to Tigers left fielder Riley Greene. After giving up a walk, Tigers reliever Beau Brieske watched Jason Heyward make great contact but hit a liner right at first baseman Spencer Torkelson.

All of Detroit's runs came on three straight singles in the second inning. Catcher Jake Rogers got things started before shortstop Trey Sweeney and third baseman Matt Vierling followed suit.

That was more than enough offensive support for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The left-hander held the Astros to four hits and struck out six over six innings.

Sometimes, baseball can be a simple game. Throw a starting pitcher with filthy stuff out there and watch him work. The rest will take care of itself.

We're only one game into the postseason so it's too early to begin crafting narratives. But Skubal, the presumptive AL Cy Young winner, could be embarking on an October to remember.

Houston's star quartet of Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman combined to go 5-of-16, which isn't a terrible collective output. But only one of those hits went for extra bases.

By the time the Astros offense started clicking, it was too late to make a difference on the outcome.

The series resumes Tuesday at 2:32 p.m. ET. All three games are in Houston, so the Astros would host a winner-take-all Game 3. The momentum could shift dramatically if the home team responds with a victory in Game 2.

Houston's hitters will also feel a little more confident knowing it has seen the last of Skubal this season one way or the other.