The Los Angeles Dodgers punched a ticket to their third straight National League Championship Series with a 4-1 Game 4 win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. For ace Tarik Skubal, this will be his first time on this stage. 

The impact he will need to have cannot be overstated.

The Dodgers will have a rematch with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS. Los Angeles was able to make quick work of the Brewers last season by sweeping them in the NLCS, but this season provides a new challenge.

Skubal got things started for the Dodgers in the playoffs with a Game 1 outing against the Braves in the NLDS, in which he pitched six innings and logged seven strikeouts while giving up two hits, an earned run, and two walks.

Skubal's effort contributed to Los Angeles' win, and he earned the winning decision as a result. Now, even though starting pitchers have not been named for Game 1 of the NLCS on Sunday, it is likely that Skubal will get the nod.

During the regular season, Skubal made two starts against the Brewers: one as a member of the Detroit Tigers on April 23, and the other on Aug. 16 after he was traded to the Dodgers.

After allowing seven hits and four earned runs over six innings of work in his first outing against the Brewers this season, Skubal was better in his second one, where he struck out seven batters while allowing seven hits, one earned run, and two walks over six innings.

The first half of Skubal's season was difficult as he missed a month and a half with loose bodies in his left elbow. Despite that and being traded from the only Major League Baseball team he has been a part of in his career, Skubal fought through the adversity to earn a 12-7 record with a 2.72 ERA in 26 starts.

During his time with the Tigers, Skubal was also good in the playoffs. It is not surprising given the caliber of pitcher he is, and the Dodgers need every bit of his skill against Milwaukee.

Without Shohei Ohtani on the mound this postseason, Skubal is Los Angeles’ go-to ace. If he can pitch well to start this series and the Dodgers can steal a game from the Brewers on the road, they will be in a very good spot.

If Skubal faces Milwaukee ace Jacob Misiorowski, the matchup will be all the more exciting.