With Sunday’s 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays, the Detroit Tigers continued their dominance in games started by Jackson Jobe, moving to a perfect 8-0 in those matchups. Jobe pitched six solid innings, giving up six hits and two runs while striking out five and walking two. The young right-hander picked up the win, bringing his season record to 4-0.
Since being called up late last season, Jobe has secured a spot in the Tigers’ starting rotation and quickly proven himself as a reliable arm. With each outing, the team grows more confident in the 21-year-old’s ability to deliver.
Manager AJ Hinch praised Jobe’s impact, saying via MLB.com, “It builds the expectation that we can win every time he pitches and we do. It’s a big deal for him to get the win in a rubber match like this one.”
Though still early in his MLB career, Jobe has already made a name for himself on a team that currently holds the best record in baseball. Despite his success, he knows he’s still evolving.
“Other than the start in Denver, I’ve felt really good about how I’ve pitched,” Jobe said. “I’m getting a better feel for how my pitches play against major league hitters. I’m building confidence and getting more comfortable out there. I feel like I’m close to putting it all together it’s just a matter of experience.”
Sunday’s narrow win might have gone differently without a pair of clutch defensive plays from left fielder Akil Baddoo in the opening inning. With two runners on and no outs, Baddoo made a tough catch at the wall and then followed it up with a diving play that turned into a double play, saving Jobe from early trouble.
“I didn’t really have my best stuff in the first inning,” Jobe admitted. “I was struggling with execution. Akil really bailed me out with those plays. But as the game went on, I settled in and got stronger.”
Jobe’s performance along with the defensive support behind him — is helping fuel Detroit’s hot start and raising expectations for what this young pitcher could become.
