Tigers top Cubs in battle of division leaders, 3-1

Tarik Skubal pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning, and Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago Cubs 3-1 on Friday night in the opener of a weekend series between two of the majors’ best teams.

Skubal (6-2) allowed eight hits, struck out six and walked none in 7 2/3 innings. In his past 11 starts, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner is 6-0 with a 1.61 ERA, 95 strikeouts and three walks.

Skubal left with runners on the corners, then had to wait out a dramatic moment. Seiya Suzuki lifted a deep flyball to right off Will Vest, but Kerry Carpenter reached above the wall to keep Detroit in front.

Cubs right-hander Ben Brown (3-4) permitted two runs and seven hits in seven innings.

The game, attended by a large contingent of Cubs fans, drew a crowd of 40,132 for the third sellout at Comerica Park this season.

Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon (5-3, 3.76 ERA) faces Tigers right-hander Keider Montero (2-1, 4.02 ERA) on Saturday.


(AP Photo Paul Sancya)