Dodgers ace Tarik Skubal got the ball for Game 1 of the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves and led his team to a win on a day when manager Dave Roberts chose his starters for Games 2 and 3. Skubal outdueled Dylan Dodd, striking out seven batters in six innings and ceding a single earned run and scoring him a post-game interview.
He spoke with reporter Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports after the game, openly and honestly about his strong performance.
“I think just the ability to go out there and compete and put myself in position to win,” Skubal said about what he liked best about his performance. He expressed confidence in his pitches despite a handful of mistakes that were made.
“It was a ton of fun,” Skubal said about his first home playoff start. “It's a ton of fun and shoutout to the fans, hopefully they're drinking water and got some sunscreen.”
Article Continues BelowThe Dodgers have an October 4 game on deck against the Braves, also at Dodger Stadium, that will test the depth of their pitching staff. Skubal's good friend Blake Snell will take the hill in Game 2 followed by Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 3, a surprising pitching rotation given Yamamoto's history of playoff success with the Dodgers.
Roberts' team looks every bit the juggernaut fans thought it would be after one playoff game and Skubal is a big reason for the renewed optimism. Fans aren't the least bit tired of Roberts and Skubal's team's winning ways, but the Dodgers' opponents certainly are so far this season.
Another win in Game 2 will give fans even more to cheer about as the Dodgers charge toward a potential third straight World Series title.

