He wants nothing to do with the narrative . That’s for everyone else. Tarik Skubal just wants to pitch. And help the Detroit Tigers win.

Do that, and the narrative writes itself. Skubal knows this. Knows, too, what is expected of him Friday, Oct. 10, in Seattle, when his Tigers take on the Mariners in Game 5 of the ALDS. Knows that, as he and his teammates board the plane back to the Pacific Northwest, they’ll be looking at him, counting on him, believing in him.

So, too, will the city, the region, the state. Wherever Tigers fans congregate, really — Skubal will do his best to carry their hopes. If it feels like too much pressure, Skubal welcomes it. He's the ace. Not just the ace, but the best pitcher in the game. JEFF SEIDEL: Báez pulls off full blown magic act in leading Tig

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