Los Angeles Dodgers at Detroit Tigers

Tarik Skubal has pitched at Comerica Park more than any other ballpark, having called it home for seven years. He took that familiar mound for the 78th time in his career on Friday night, but for the first time, he wore road grays in Detroit, with another city's name across his chest. Just under a month removed from the blockbuster deal that sent him to L.A. ahead of the Trade Deadline, Skubal returned to Detroit to face his former team. Skubal struck out seven without walking a batter and allowed one run on four hits across six innings in the Dodgers' series-opening 2-1 win over the Tigers that snapped a three-game losing streak. “I think I did a good job of keeping baseball baseball, and trying to compete and give our team a chance to win," Skubal said. "I think you kind of saw the emotions early. … Obviously, this place is special.” In the aftermath of the trade, Skubal freely expressed his gratitude for the Tigers' organization and the Detroit fans, who saw him blossom into one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball, with two AL Cy Young Awards to show for it. His former home crowd mostly returned the affection on Friday, although the reception grew somewhat mixed as the night went on. Before the game began, the Tigers' faithful greeted their former ace with a standing ovation while a tribute video played on the scoreboard. Skubal was visibly emotional, wiping his eyes as he walked back to the visitors' dugout following pregame warmups. "There were definitely tears," he said. "Luckily enough, I was able to make it to the tunnel before more happened."