Skubal goes 6 strong IP but Cubs beat Dodgers to spoil debut

Los Angeles Dodgers star left-hander Tarik Skubal recorded a quality start in Tuesday’s 5-1 loss against the Chicago Cubs in his first game with the two-time defending World Series champions.

Skubal allowed two runs on four hits (one homer) with two walks and six strikeouts over six innings. He threw 85 pitches and took the loss.

The Dodgers have now dropped a season-high five straight contests. The NL West leaders are just 13-15 since July 1.

Skubal struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong looking in the first inning for his first strikeout with his new team.

“It’s a ton of fun to play in front of crowds like that,” Skubal said postgame when asked about the environment at Wrigley Field, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. ” … I actually haven’t made a home start in the postseason. They’ve all been on the road. I’ve pitched in pretty good environments, and I’d say that’s up there with any of those postseason starts.”

Los Angeles acquired the reigning two-time AL Cy Young winner Saturday in a blockbuster with the Detroit Tigers.

The move prompted widespread criticism, as the Dodgers added another high-priced superstar to baseball’s most expensive and talented roster. However, Skubal said every team could’ve traded for him and that he doesn’t sympathize with people who blame L.A. for its winning ways.

The Cubs will look to sweep the Dodgers on Wednesday after taking the first two contests of the three-game series in what could be a potential playoff matchup come October.

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