LOS ANGELES -- The third time through the order is typically one of the steeper challenges for starting pitchers, as opposing batters have seen all they can from them at that point. But on Saturday evening, Tarik Skubal was at his best by the time the Pirates' starting nine came to the plate for the third time.
Skubal recovered from giving up a three-spot in the first inning to earn his first win as a Dodger. The left-hander did not allow another run after the opening frame, striking out 11 while scattering five hits and a walk across seven innings in a 4-3 victory over the Pirates at Dodger Stadium.
The Pirates did their damage against Skubal the first time through the order, but they could hardly touch him afterward.
First time: 5-for-9, three runs, zero strikeouts
Second and third times: 0-for-17, zero runs, 11 strikeouts
In the first inning, Skubal allowed three straight one-out hits that led to an early lead for the Pirates. Esmerlyn Valdez and Bryan Reynolds hit consecutive singles before Oneil Cruz smoked a two-run triple at 114 mph off the bat. Cruz scored on a groundout to cap the early onslaught.
Skubal opened the second inning by giving up back-to-back base hits, to Nick Yorke and Jared Triolo. But after a sacrifice bunt from nine-hole hitter Henry Davis moved both runners into scoring position, he settled down. Skubal retired 18 of his final 19 batters, including Davis, only allowing Valdez to reach on a walk in the fifth inning.
Skubal struck out the side in the sixth inning, reaching back for 100 mph -- his second-hardest pitch of the season -- to retire Jake Mangum on a foul tip for his 11th strikeout, his most as a Dodger. He went on to complete seven innings for the first time since he was traded from the Tigers, walking off the mound to a loud ovation from his new home fans.