T-Mobile Park had only seen one playoff game in the past 24 years before Saturday night. While that game lasted 18 innings and ended with a Mariners loss, this time the game was only a little kinder, wrapping up in 11 innings in the Seattle Mariners’ 3-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers lived up to their billing against George Kirby’s blazing fastball and the Mariners’ tough bullpen. Now that the Tigers have won the home-field advantage with the win, they will have the best weapon on the mound for the Mariners.

The Detroit Tigers gave rookie Troy Melton a start for Game 1. Now, for the next game, falling on Sunday at Comerica Park at the end of what has become a two-week road trip, the Tigers will have their $400 million pitcher, Tarik Skubal, to play the Mariners.

After the Mariners’ loss in game 1 of the ALDS, Yankees legend Derek Jeter talked about why Seattle has an uphill battle to face for the remainder of this series. “I mean, when we were doing the predictions before the game started, I was struggling with it. I really was struggling with it, and I thought and said that Seattle needs to win game one. Now they got to win three out of four, and they’re facing Skubal twice. So, it’s a tough task. Not over yet, but it just got a whole lot tougher for Seattle.” Derek Jeter said. Apparently, if the Seattle Mariners want to secure the series, they have to beat the Detroit Tigers in three of four games.

They have already lost one game, and now the Detroit Tigers will have Skubal for two matchups; that makes it a whole lot tougher for the Mariners.

Against Tarik Skubal, the Mariners are expected to counter with Luis Castillo. McKinstry, who had a large part in the Tigers’ game 1 win, is excited to have Skubal back on Sunday. “Going into Game 2 with Skub on the bump is going to be a lot of fun. He’s going to go out there and compete. He’s electric, and he’s one of the best in the game. It’s going to be a lot of fun to play behind him tomorrow. Getting this first one for him; it’s a good time.” He said after the game. This season, Skubal has a 13-6 record with a 2.21 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP to his name.

And, fun fact, Tarik Skubal has a special place for Seattle in his heart. Let’s learn why.

Detroit Tigers’ ace connected with Seattle college before taking on the Mariners in Game 2

Despite being born and raised in California and Arizona, Seattle has a special place in Tarik Skubal’s heart. He has it all planned to show his love to Seattle on Sunday. From locally catered delicious dinner for his teammates to giving Seattle University’s baseball team tickets to Sunday’s game.

When he takes the mound on Sunday at Comerica Park against the Mariners for game 2 of the best-of-five American League Division Series, he will have nearly three dozen members of what he considers his extended family.

Yes, the Seattle University baseball team will be in attendance on Sunday at Comerica Park. And Skubal? He will do all he can to win the second game. “Winning is everything to me, so it’s a great opportunity to go out and compete and show that all the work you’ve put in is worth it for moments like this.” He said on Friday, ahead of game 1. After all, if there’s anything he likes more than anything else, it’s winning.

Skubal can pitch for the Detroit Tigers only once every five days. And he makes sure to give everything he has each time he takes the mound. It sets him apart in the way he uses the days in between. It’s never just a light bullpen session or a few stretches for him. He stays active and is always going hard on his workouts and studying the game.