DETROIT (AP) — Jack Flaherty struck out nine over six scoreless innings as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-0 on Sunday and took two of three games in a matchup of two of the MLB’s top teams.

The AL Central-leading Tigers improved to 43-24, while the NL Central-best Cubs fell to 40-25 in the first matchup this season of 40-win teams. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, June 8 matched the earliest such matchup since 2004. The Yankees and Dodgers played the first such game of last season, also on June 8.

Flaherty (5-6) allowed two hits and three walks. After a rough start, the 29-year-old right-hander is 3-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 29 strikeouts in his last four starts.

Cubs rookie starter Cade Horton (3-1) took his first career loss, allowing four runs on seven hits and two w

See Full Page