Los Angeles Dodgers newcomer Tarik Skubal encountered a rough patch in his debut on Tuesday, allowing a solo home run to Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson in the third inning. The blast marked the first home run Skubal had allowed on the first pitch of an at-bat this season.
Skubal had begun his outing against the Cubs with six consecutive outs. However, in the bottom of the third, Swanson connected with a 96 mph fastball, sending it to the left-center field bleachers to tie the game at 1-1. This was the first home run allowed by Skubal on the first pitch of an at-bat this season, according to TBS broadcasts.
Despite the home run, Skubal managed to limit further damage in the inning. After recording two more outs, Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong singled, extending the frame. Crow-Armstrong then stole second base, and Seiya Suzuki drew a walk. Skubal ultimately got Alex Bregman to fly out, concluding the inning with only Swanson's solo shot accounting for the run.
Through the first three innings, Skubal had thrown 48 pitches. He allowed one run on two hits, issued one walk, and recorded five strikeouts through five-plus innings. The Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' decision on how long to keep Skubal in the game in his first appearance for the Los Angeles club was a point of interest.