Tarik Skubal delivered the performance that officially secured the Los Angeles Dodgers’ return to the postseason Monday, dominating the Cincinnati Reds over seven scoreless innings.

The left-hander surrendered three hits with nine strikeouts and a walk. It was his first scoreless appearance since joining the Dodgers at the trade deadline and his third of the season when including his time with the Detroit Tigers.

Skubal will participate in the postseason for the third time in his career. However, the celebration differed from what he experienced after reaching this stage with Detroit, when he joined a team-wide celebration.

According to Dodger Blue, Skubal said that the Dodgers’ understated reaction was unlike anything he had previously experienced. He believed it reflected the standards established inside the clubhouse and what its members expect from the team.

The Dodgers shared a brief toast before immediately turning their attention toward everything they still want to accomplish.

Los Angeles has adopted a low-key approach to clinching postseason berths in recent years. Instead of celebrating with champagne bottles like most teams, manager Dave Roberts holds a simple clubhouse toast with his players.

The Dodgers remain focused on becoming the first team in 26 years to win three consecutive World Series.

Skubal has developed a reputation as a big-game pitcher, but his priority is becoming the best version of himself and helping Los Angeles reach that objective.

Roberts noted that Skubal participated in the postseason during the previous two years before being traded to Los Angeles. The manager praised him for becoming part of the Dodgers through his relationships with teammates and his performance.

Roberts also said Skubal should take pride in starting the game that allowed Los Angeles to clinch its postseason berth and helping secure it. He expects many more victories from Skubal and the team.

“Obviously he was in the postseason the last couple years. For him to get traded over here, to feel like he’s really apart of this, I think he’s done a great job with his teammates and the performance as well,” Roberts said of Skubal.

“To take the mound on the night we had a chance to clinch, and we did it, that’s something he should be proud of. We expect many more victories from him and our team.”

The left-hander has completed at least seven innings in consecutive starts, both against Cincinnati. Skubal allowed two runs on seven hits (one home run) with 14 strikeouts and three walks in 14.1 innings in those contests.

Los Angeles reached the postseason for the 14th consecutive season, tying the Atlanta Braves’ run from 1991-2005 for the longest streak in MLB history.

The Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers are the only National League teams to have clinched postseason places this year. The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees are the only American League teams to have accomplished it.

Los Angeles can next secure another National League West title, which would be its 13th in 14 seasons. The Dodgers are also pursuing a top-two National League seed and an automatic bye into the National League Division Series.

Skubal gives the Dodgers more than a powerful arm. He brings the confidence to attack hitters, the composure to control important moments and the stamina to work deep into games.

His competitive mentality fits a team pursuing history. Skubal does not need excessive emotion to establish his presence because his preparation, execution and intensity communicate his purpose.

He also showed his ability to adapt after a major in-season trade. Becoming comfortable with new teammates, coaches and expectations requires maturity. Skubal has handled that transition while embracing the pressure that accompanies pitching for a World Series favorite.

His direct approach, durability and calmness make him particularly valuable in October. When Los Angeles needed a performance to secure its postseason place, Skubal provided it.