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Tarik Skubal beat the heat, and the Braves

During a scorching afternoon at Dodger Stadium with temperatures reaching the second-highest mark ever recorded for an October matchup in Los Angeles, starting pitcher Tarik Skubal delivered a dominant display in the opening game of the National League Division Series. Facing the Atlanta Braves, the left-hander uncorked a 101.1-mph fastball in the second inning to highlight an explosive outing fueled by extreme adrenaline and a blazing 127-degree childhood memory from Lake Havasu.

Skubal retired fifteen consecutive batters following a leadoff single, ultimately surrendering only a single run and two walks across six frames while striking out seven opposing hitters.

Operating well above his standard regular-season velocity metrics, Skubal credited postseason intensity for the sudden surge in arm speed while admitting he remained entirely unaware of the stifling heat until retreating to the dugout to confer with teammate Blake Snell. Having previously leaned on a heavy diet of triple-digit heaters during his 2025 campaign with Detroit, the veteran relied heavily on his four-seamer and two-seamer to cruise through six frames and trim his career postseason ERA down to 1.97.

The stellar performance successfully secured the opening victory for Los Angeles, moving the club one step closer toward the three total wins required to advance.

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