Roberts praises Skubal; Weiss explains bullpen limits after Dodgers’ 5–3 win

Dave Roberts praised Tarik Skubal’s pitching in the heat after the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 5–3 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday. Walt Weiss said Atlanta’s bullpen choices reflected the work required to finish its previous series.

Roberts on Skubal and the rotation

Skubal allowed one run and two hits in six innings, striking out seven. Roberts credited his fastball and slider, along with catcher Will Smith’s work. Sean Murphy’s homer came on a two-strike pitch above the zone, Roberts said.

“I thought the changeup today was really effective,” Roberts said in his postgame interview.

Roberts also praised Kyle Tucker for continuing to play through his struggles this season. Tucker hit one of Los Angeles’ three home runs, joining Teoscar Hernández and Max Muncy. Roberts said postseason performances could change how Tucker’s season was remembered.

With Blake Snell scheduled for Game 2 and Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Game 3, Roberts said the Dodgers had flexibility in arranging their starters.

“We’re in a good spot and it all starts with winning game one,” he said.

Weiss on bullpen availability and Sale

Weiss said Thursday’s series-clinching effort against Philadelphia limited which relievers he would use while trailing Saturday. He accepted that consequence of advancing, but said it complicated trying to catch Los Angeles.

“It was gonna be really tough to chase from, from behind today,” Weiss said in his postgame interview.

Dylan Dodd gave Atlanta three scoreless innings on 47 pitches. Weiss said getting Dodd through Shohei Ohtani a second time was the best outcome they had planned for.

“He was outstanding,” Weiss said.

Weiss expected a more rested bullpen for Game 2, with Chris Sale and Tyler Mahle among his options.

“We got plenty of pitching,” he said.

He had not named Sunday’s starter when he spoke. Weiss said Sale’s condition could settle the decision that night, but Atlanta might wait until morning to see how he felt.

Game 1 final score, statistics and scoring plays.