Ohtani Smashes 2 HRs, Skubal Strikes Out 14 in MLB Playoffs
Shohei Ohtani and Tarik Skubal made headlines in the MLB playoffs. Ohtani smashed two home runs, including the longest in Detroit Tigers' postseason history, while Skubal struck out 14 batters, tying a Tigers' record.
Ohtani's first home run came off a 100.4 mph fastball, the quickest pitch he's hit out of the park in his career. He followed this up with a 454-foot blast, setting a new record for the longest postseason home run in Tigers' history. The two-homer game was part of Ohtani's career-high 55 home runs in the regular season. Despite manager Dave Roberts' initial doubts, Ohtani could still pitch in the playoffs.
Meanwhile, in the American League Wild Card Series, Skubal struck out 14 batters in the Tigers' 2-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians. This performance tied a Tigers' postseason record and gave them an early advantage in the series. Skubal's impressive debut in 1972 was not surpassed by any Tigers' player until his own record-tying performance in 2025.
Ohtani's power hitting and Skubal's dominant pitching have set the stage for their respective teams in the playoffs. Ohtani's potential pitching appearances and the Tigers' early lead in their series promise exciting games ahead.
