Skubal Shines in Final Regular Season Start
SAN FRANCISCO –– In what was his last performance before the playoffs, Tarik Skubal showcased his dominant abilities on the mound.
Having had a few strong but inconsistent outings since joining the Dodgers, the team’s big acquisition at the trade deadline returned to his impressive Cy Young-winning form on Friday. He expertly handled the San Francisco Giants in a 2-0 win, hinting at promising potential for the postseason.
During his seven-inning scoreless performance, Skubal struck out ten batters and allowed just three hits without issuing a single walk. His 75 pitches were executed with remarkable efficiency, almost effortlessly dominating his opponents.
Throughout his Major League Baseball career, the only better performance he’s had might be the complete-game shutout against the Cleveland Guardians last year.
However, the Dodgers didn’t really need any extra validation of Skubal’s talent. When they traded for him from the Tigers two months ago, they knew he was the standout player available, one who could genuinely enhance their chances at a World Series victory.
That said, the transition for the left-hander wasn’t completely smooth. It took him some time to adapt, with his first scoreless outing occurring just two weeks prior in Cincinnati. He pitched seven innings against the Reds, striking out nine while allowing only three hits. Unfortunately, he followed that with a shaky performance against the Giants, where he surrendered four runs in five innings. He also had to take a brief leave from the team recently due to a personal matter.
The rematch on Friday at Oracle Park was a much different experience for him.
Skubal was given a 2-0 lead in the second inning, thanks to back-to-back home runs from Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages, with Pages hitting his first homer after returning from an injury.
From that point on, the 29-year-old, a native of Northern California, maintained control. He relentlessly challenged the Giants with a mix of fastballs and changeups, closing the season with a 12-7 record and a 2.72 ERA overall. With the Dodgers, he boasts a 5-2 record and a 2.61 ERA in ten starts, winning his last four decisions.
During the game, Skubal reached 100 mph with his fastball for only the third time this season. He managed to secure 12 swings-and-misses on 25 attempts with that pitch, while his changeup was just as effective, inducing a swing-and-miss on seven of the 14 times Giants batters swung at it.
It’s worth noting, however, that the Giants were fielding what resembled a Triple-A team as they struggled through a disappointing 2026 season, marked by injuries to their key players.
Nonetheless, heading into the playoffs, there aren’t many better ways to gain momentum than after such a solid performance from Skubal, arguably his best of the season.
Friday’s game was precisely what the Dodgers envisioned when they made the move to acquire Skubal, and they’re hopeful this marks the beginning of something special as October approaches.
