The Los Angeles Dodgers return to UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium on Saturday, August 22, for a regular season showdown against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7:15 PM ET. Tarik Skubal gets the start for Los Angeles against Pittsburgh's Jared Jones in what figures to be a compelling pitching matchup under the Southern California sky. The game airs nationally on FOX and FOX ONE, with Spanish-language coverage on KTNQ 1020 and English radio on Dodgers Radio AM570. For a Dodgers club in the thick of the regular season grind, home games like this one carry real weight in the standings.
Starting Pitchers: Tarik Skubal vs. Jared Jones
All eyes will be on Tarik Skubal when he takes the hill for the Dodgers. Skubal is a left-handed power arm who demands attention every time he steps between the lines, and his presence at the top of any rotation is a genuine game-changer. How he commands the strike zone and manages Pittsburgh's lineup will set the tone for the entire evening at Dodger Stadium.
Jared Jones starts for the Pirates. The young right-hander has shown the kind of lively arm talent that keeps hitters honest, and the Dodgers' lineup will need to stay disciplined early against him. Pittsburgh will be counting on Jones to keep Los Angeles off the board and give the offense a chance to work.
Keys to Watch for the Dodgers
- Skubal's command: The margin between a dominant outing and a rough night often comes down to how well a starter locates his pitches. Watch Skubal's ability to work both sides of the plate and keep Pittsburgh's hitters off-balance through the middle innings.
- Disciplined at-bats against Jones: Jones can generate swing-and-miss with his stuff. The Dodgers will need patient approaches early, working counts and getting into the bullpen if they can't crack the starter in the first few frames.
- Dodger Stadium crowd: Saturday night at UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium has its own energy. The home crowd can lift this team, and a strong start from Skubal could have the ballpark buzzing early.
- Bullpen management: If Skubal turns it over before the seventh, the Dodgers' relief corps will need to be sharp. Clean handoffs from starter to setup to closer are essential in close regular season contests.
Prediction
Skubal on the mound at home is a good spot for Los Angeles. The Dodgers have the pitching edge in this matchup on paper, and UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium is a tough venue for visiting clubs on a Saturday night. Expect Skubal to turn in a quality start and the Dodgers' offense to find enough against Jones to secure the win. Dodgers 4, Pirates 2.
