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.

DETROIT — Cubs right-hander Ben Brown came to love entering a game from the bullpen. ‘‘You hear the phone ring, you get going, all your guys are in there cheering you on,’