DETROIT — Cubs designated hitter Seiya Suzuki’s opposite-field fly ball kept carrying. And as Tigers right fielder Kerry Carpenter stutter-stepped into a leap at the wall, it

Tarik Skubal pitched one-run ball into the eighth inning, and Detroit Tigers beat the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in the opener of a weekend series between two of the majors’ best teams.

The Tigers lead the American League. The Cubs lead the National League. A Friday night and, aside from hazy skies, the weather in Detroit was flawless. And arguably the best pitcher in the world, Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, was taking the bump for Detroit.