Tarik Skubal's Dodgers Debut Ends in Loss as Los Angeles' Losing Streak Hits 6
The Dodgers' struggles continued on Tuesday as they fell to the Cubs 5-1, with Tarik Skubal taking the loss in his highly-anticipated debut.
Tarik Skubal's Dodgers Debut Ends in Loss as Los Angeles' Losing Streak Hits 6
The much-discussed acquisition of Skubal ahead of the trade deadline was supposed to provide a boost to the Dodgers' rotation, but it was not enough to overcome the Cubs' strong performance.
The Cubs' win snapped the Dodgers' five-game losing streak, and it marked their sixth consecutive loss overall. Los Angeles is now 69-45 on the season, while the Cubs remain in the top National League wild-card spot with a 64-49 record.
Skubal had a solid outing, allowing two earned runs on four hits in six innings with six strikeouts and two walks. However, he struggled with his breaking stuff early, and the Cubs took advantage of the Dodgers' lack of offense.
The first run allowed was a solo home run from Dansby Swanson, who hit his 17th home run of the year. The conditions were ripe for a homer or two on this night, and Swanson's shot was a no-doubter.
The second run is difficult to place at Skubal's feet, as it came on a deep fly to right field that was initially ruled a hit. Kyle Tucker whiffed on the ball, but it was not officially an error.
Skubal finished the night allowing just two hard-hit balls, and he got 13 whiffs on 43 swings. He also escaped a jam in the third and nearly got out of one in the sixth.
The biggest problem for Skubal was the lack of offensive support. Tucker homered in the second, but it was the only run scored while Skubal was in the game.
The Cubs tacked on two more runs in the seventh, with Swanson doubling before Crow-Armstrong singled to drive him home. The Cubs' bullpen held the Dodgers' offense in check, including a spotless eighth from newly acquired Ryan Zeferjahn.
The Dodgers' struggles are now well-documented, with a 10-14 record since July 3. They will look to bounce back in their next game, but it will be a tough task against a strong Cubs team.
Source: CBS