SOCIAL MEDIA:
SAN DIEGO, CALIF. ~ The Detroit Tigers started off the 2026 season on a winning note Thursday afternoon, defeating the San Diego Padres 8-2 at Petco Park. Detroit starting pitcher Tarik Skubal was in full Cy-Young form, pitching six shutout innings while posting just as many strikeouts. It was also a successful day at the plate for Tigers’ hitters, as rookie third baseman Kevin McGonigle went four-for-five in his debut, knocking in two RBIs. Two other players made big impacts as Detroit catcher Dillon Dingler launched the first home run for the Tigers of the year, and closer Will Vest shut the door on San Diego in the ninth frame. The Tigers will be on the road until their home opener at Comerica Park against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, April 3.
