The Los Angeles Dodgers' quest for a World Series three-peat has taken a major step after Tarik Skubal had a strong performance on the mound against the Cincinnati Reds in the team's 4-1 victory on Monday night.

Skubal is going through the seventh year of his career in the majors, his first with the Dodgers. He started the 2026 season with the Detroit Tigers before they moved on from him ahead of the trade deadline. He stands out as one of the best pitchers in the game, boosting Los Angeles' talent in the bullpen.

With the regular season down to its final month before playoff actin starts, Los Angeles needed one more win to secure its place in the postseason. They had a comfortable lead against Cincinnati but required quality pitching from its bullpen.

Skubal embraced that task. He shut out the Reds offense throughout his seven innings of service, striking out nine batters while conceding just three hits.

With the bullpen closing out the Reds in the series opener, Los Angeles punched its ticket to the 2026 playoffs. MLB insider Bob Nightengale commemorated the feat with a post on social media.

“Hello October, It’s the Dodgers again. They clinch their 14th consecutive postseason berth with a 4-1 victory over the Reds behind Tarik Skubal’s 7 shutout innings,” Nightengale wrote.

THE DODGERS ARE POSTSEASON BOUND ONCE AGAIN ✅

Los Angeles is in the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, which ties the Braves (1991-2005) for the longest streak in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/Op7NFTip8P

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 15, 2026

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How Tarik Skubal, Dodgers played against Reds

The Dodgers continue their playoff streak at 14 years and counting, shining as one of the best squads in the league. They outmatched the Reds on both sides of the field to start the series this week.

Los Angeles improved to a 91-59 record on the season, controlling the top spot in the NL West Division standings. They are above the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks at the moment.

The Dodgers will look forward to Game 2 of their four-game set against the Reds. That game takes place on Sept. 15 at 6:40 p.m. ET.