It might be intimidating to take on Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner was riding high going into Friday night’s game against the Angels.
Since April 8, Skubal has made 20 starts and is 11-1 with a 1.87 ERA.
The Angels, however, blew off Skubal with back-to-back home runs by Gustavo Campero (a two-run shot) and Zach Neto to take a 4-3 lead, which was bolstered by a Jo Adell solo shot in the top of the eighth. This came after the Angels had fallen behind by two runs heading into the fifth and had only managed an RBI double from Logan O’Hoppe through four innings.
However, left-handed reliever Reid Detmers began the inning with game-changing walks to Jahmai Jones and Gleyber Torres before Tigers pinch-hitter Matt Vierling blasted a three-run homer off him in the bottom of the eighth. The Angels lost to Detroit, 6-5, at Comerica Park in a quiet game in the ninth inning.
But the Angels’ huge inning started in the most unexpected fashion, and they were riding high going into the bottom of the eighth.
After defensively replacing the injured Bryce Teodosio in the fourth inning, Campero hit his third fastball of the season, a 3-1 one from Skubal, into the stands.
After Campero, the next hitter, Neto, took a one-run lead with his 17th home run of the season.
They were the first consecutive home runs Skubal has given up since July 25, 2021, when Salvador Perez and Jorge Soler (now with the Angels) of the Royals did it.
Ray Montgomery, the temporary manager, remarked, “It was fantastic.” It just demonstrates that there is no quitting. They are pursuing it; the boys are swinging the bat. We simply need to maintain the lead and lock it down there.
Skubal’s shortest appearance since June 19, 2024, lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up four runs on six hits.
“He’s one of the best in the league,” Montgomery said, adding that the at-bats his lineup took against him “were great.” It goes without saying that Campy helped us out there, and it feels fantastic to have that type of production against him.
On May 2, there were fireworks in Anaheim between Skubal and Neto. On the opening pitch of the game, Neto hammered a 429-foot drive off him, and Skubal wasn’t happy that he was appreciating it. They argued when Skubal hit him out swinging in the third inning, and the benches were cleared before order was finally restored.
“They are fierce rivals,” Montgomery remarked. “They want to prevail in every conflict, no matter how minor. Zach received that one, and it’s clear that [Skubal] took offense. However, that is acceptable given the spirit of the game.
No one did anything to inflame tensions, but Neto managed to get him again on Friday. This time, the Angels’ celebration following Neto’s home run was limited to the dugout.
The only hitter to take Skubal deep twice this season, Neto, saying, “It was fantastic.” It’s incredible to watch your teammates outstrip you while facing a pitcher like that. Additionally, Campy entered the game with a chilly pitch. All I can do is get a pitch to land and not miss it.
We managed to get him on the ropes. He was removed from the game early by us. That was the most important thing. Over there, he is an excellent pitcher.
The Angels’ strong inning was spoiled by Vierling’s first home run of the season against Detmers.
According to Detmers, “you have it some days and you don’t have it other days.” You pay for it on the days when you don’t have it. It’s awful, really. It’s awful to give up the home run and two walks.
“It is what it is. Tomorrow, I’ll return and continue to grind. The world won’t end because of it.
Starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks, who gave up three earned runs in five innings, was praised by Montgomery for his performance. Before everything went wrong, Hendricks was on track to record his eighth victory of the year.
Hendricks remarked, “It was incredible fight from the guys — never giving up and getting back in the game and re-taking the lead.”
Despite reaching Skubal, the Angels (55–61) were unable to add a victory to their record this evening.
