The Detroit Tigers take the lead after an incredible second inning

Entering the wild-card matchup, the Detroit Tigers knew they had to get off to a strong start against the Houston Astros, who had made the playoffs better than anyone in American League history with seven straight games in the ALCS.

The Tigers were viewed as legitimate underdogs considering where they were just a month ago and who they were up against, but with their ace Tarik Skubal on the line, it’s hard to rule them out of any competition.

After a quick first inning from both sides in which Astros ace Framber Valdez got through the minimum and Skubal needed just five pitches to get out of his side, Detroit surged past Houston in the second inning.

After Andy Ibanez singled to center, Wenceel Perez had the first hit of the game for the Tigers.

Two batters later, catcher Jake Rogers got them on the board with a 3-0 lead with a single up the middle.

With two players on the field and two outs, it’s time for Detroit to use Valdez, who can put up some fake numbers when pressed.

They did the same later when Trey Sweeney, acquired at the trade deadline, hit the second pitch with his hit to center that drove into Parker Meadows and carried Rogers to second base.

Given an opportunity to really improve things for Detroit, the only player on this lineup with postseason experience, Matt Vierling, stepped into the batter’s box with a chance to break out for his team.

After taking two balls and giving up the count even after striking out and fouling out the sinker, he singled to center again for an RBI single that gave the Tigers a 3-0 lead.

The competition isn’t over yet, but Skubal has had two excellent rounds and looks to be in control early on, with Game 1 a must-win for them.