Detroit's Tarik Skubal pitched six scoreless innings and the Tigers held off a late fightback to defeat Houston 3-1 on Tuesday as the Major League Baseball playoffs began.

The visiting Tigers took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three American League wild card series, which continues Wednesday in Houston.

Skubal, a 27-year-old left-hander, struck out six while allowing four hits and a walk in his first playoff start.

The American was the first pitcher to complete a pitching Triple Crown sweep in a full season since 2011, leading the AL with 18 wins, 228 strikeouts and a 2.39 earned-run average.

"Skub was Skub," Detroit catcher Jake Rogers said. "He has been electric. He has been in the zone. He has challenged guys all year – it was awesome."

Houston, seeking a second MLB crown in three seasons, produced drama in the ninth inning, pushing across a run and loading the bases before Jason Heyward flew out to Tiger first baseman Spencer Torkelson to end the game.

"That ninth inning was crazy," Rogers said. "But we got through it and got the win."

The Tigers are in the playoffs for the first time since 2014 under the guidance of manager A.J. Hinch – who guided Houston to the 2017 World Series crown.

Meanwhile, in the other AL wild card opener, Kansas City edged host Baltimore 1-0, dealing the Orioles a ninth consecutive playoff loss since they last won a postseason game in 2014.

"It's huge," said Royals slugger Bobby Witt Jr., who drove in the winning run. "It just shows the team's relentlessness and how we play every pitch until the end."

Royals left-hander Cole Ragans struck out eight over six scoreless innings while allowing four hits in the victory.

Elsewhere, the New York Mets scored five runs with two outs in the fifth inning and held on for an 8-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in game one of their National League series.

The San Diego Padres also came away with a win in their National League wild card opener, defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-0 to take a 1-0 series lead. (AFP)