DETROIT -- Tigers ace Tarik Skubal returned from an injury scare and gave up one run over six innings in a 3-1 loss to the surging Cleveland Guardians on Thursday.

Skubal, who had tightness on his left side during his previous start, allowed seven hits, struck out nine and walked two in Thursday's 102-pitch outing.

The reigning American League Cy Young Award and pitching Triple Crown winner was replaced by right-hander Troy Melton in the seventh in a 1-all game. Nine pitches later, Jose Ramirez hit a go-ahead, two-run homer to give the Guardians a 3-1 lead.

The AL Central-leading Tigers have lost 14 of their last 21 games.

Detroit had desperately hoped to win the series finale against second-place Cleveland, which have won a season-best seven straight games -- and 11 of i

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