Scherzer’s strong showing not enough as Blue Jays fall to Skubal, Tigers 6-1

By Canadian Press on March 14, 2026.

DUNEDIN — Tarik Skubal struck out seven across 4 2/3 innings as the Detroit Tigers cruised to a 6-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training action on Saturday.

The back-to-back American League Cy Young winner only gave up three hits, one run and now walks as he picked up the win.

Meanwhile, Max Scherzer had five strikeouts and only allowed two hits and two walks in 4 2/3 innings of work starting for Toronto. Tommy Nance took the loss giving up two runs in 1 1/3 innings.

Matt Vierling drove in two runs off doubles in the fifth — to open the scoring — and seventh innings for Detroit. Wenceel Perez, John Peck, Andrew Jenkins and Max Anderson also drove in runs for the Tigers.

Daulton Varsho had a home run for the Blue Jays.

Toronto will next face the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 14, 2026.

The Canadian Press