The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently just one win away from punching their ticket to yet another NLCS, up 2-1 on the Atlanta Braves in the division series. The Dodgers got to this point thanks to a dominant outing from pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 3 of the series in Atlanta to retake control.

Los Angeles started out this series with a bang with a strong performance from ace Tarik Skubal in Game 1, and now, more information has come out about Skubal's reaction to getting the start in that contest.

“When Dave Roberts informed Tarik Skubal he’d be starting Game 1 of the National League Division Series, the first emotion he felt was surprise… He had just assumed that honor would go to Yoshinobu Yamamoto,” reported Katie Woo of The Athletic.

“I know Yama’s the guy here,” Skubal said to The Athletic. “I personally wanted him going Game 1 just because he’s the guy, and I have a lot of respect for everything he’s done here, especially in the postseason. I was surprised, probably like everyone else was, you know? I thought he earned that.”

Instead, Yamamoto ended up getting the starting nod in arguably an even more critical spot in Game 3, with control of the series hanging in the balance. The star was dominant throughout the evening, striking out ten batters and limiting the Braves to just one run in front of their home fans.

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Meanwhile, Skubal was equally as impressive in his outing and would likely be on the mound if the series were to head back to Los Angeles for a decisive Game 5.

The Dodgers, of course, would prefer to avoid that scenario and close things out on Wednesday evening in Atlanta, with first pitch set for 6:00 pm ET.