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Dodgers beat Pirates 4–3 as Skubal wins 11 Ks

8/24/2026

42 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Dodgers Edge Pirates

Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4–3 at Dodger Stadium on August 22, 2026.
Tarik Skubal earned his first Dodgers win, striking out 11 in seven innings.
Kyle Tucker hit a two-run single in the fifth, ending a 0-for-26 slump at Dodger Stadium since Aug 2.
The win moved Los Angeles to 79-51, keeping them atop the NL West and extending a five-game streak.

Summary

Skubal Free Agency

Tarik Skubal will become a free agent after 2026, projected to seek a contract north of $300 million.
Bob Nightengale reports only the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets are expected to make serious bids.
The August 1 trade sent Skubal to Los Angeles for prospects Zahir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith.
Arbitration awarded Skubal $32 million after Detroit offered $19 million for 2026.

Summary

Skubal Embraces Early

Skubal said he will stop over-feeling early pitches and compete from the first batter onward.
He credited pitching coach Mark Prior for urging him to trust his stuff earlier in games.
Reflecting on his 2024 ALDS Game 5 loss, Skubal said he is no longer afraid of failure.
He believes early-game adjustments discussed with Prior will improve his consistency throughout the season.

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Dodgers Edge Pirates

Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 4–3 at Dodger Stadium on August 22, 2026.
Tarik Skubal earned his first Dodgers win, striking out 11 in seven innings.
Kyle Tucker hit a two-run single in the fifth, ending a 0-for-26 slump at Dodger Stadium since Aug 2.
The win moved Los Angeles to 79-51, keeping them atop the NL West and extending a five-game streak.

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