Bullpen Fails Skubal’s 7 Strong Innings as Tigers Fall to Braves

Bullpen Fails Skubal’s 7 Strong Innings as Tigers Fall to Braves

The Tigers carried a late lead into the final innings but could not close it out, as the bullpen faltered in a 4–3 loss to the Braves at Truist Park. Detroit dropped to 15–16 on the season.

Detroit led 3–2 entering the eighth inning, backed by a controlled outing from Tarik Skubal, but the game shifted quickly once it moved to the bullpen.

Skubal worked 7.0 innings, allowing two runs on five hits while keeping Atlanta off the board after the opening frame. The only damage came early, when Ozzie Albies connected for a two-run home run in the first inning. From there, Skubal settled into a steady rhythm, mixing his pitches effectively and working efficiently through the middle innings.

He retired hitters consistently the second and third time through the order, inducing weak contact and limiting hard-hit balls. Skubal also benefited from clean defensive work behind him, including a pair of double plays that helped erase baserunners and keep his pitch count in check. By the time he exited after seven innings, he had restored control of the game and left with a 3–2 lead.

Detroit’s offense had done enough early to support him.

Kevin McGonigle continued his consistent production at the top of the lineup, finishing with two hits and extending his on-base streak to 26 consecutive games. It marked his ninth game this season with at least two hits, as he continues to set the tone offensively.

McGonigle drove in a run in the second inning with a single, part of a two-run frame that tied the game. A throwing error later in the inning allowed another run to score, giving Detroit early momentum. Riley Greene followed with a solo home run in the third inning to give the Tigers a 3–2 lead.

After that, however, the offense stalled. Detroit managed limited traffic over the final six innings and was unable to add an insurance run, leaving the bullpen with little margin for error.

That margin disappeared in the eighth.

Kyle Finnegan entered in relief of Skubal and quickly recorded two outs, appearing on track for a clean inning. But with two outs, he issued back-to-back walks, extending the inning and putting the tying run in scoring position. While Finnegan ultimately escaped the inning without allowing a run, the added pitches and baserunners extended the game and shifted momentum toward Atlanta.