NRT briefing
Brewers manager on Dodgers’ Tarik Skubal: ‘I just want to step on his throat’
Based on reporting by New York Post.
The Brief
Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy said of Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal ahead of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, “I just want to step on his throat,” adding, “I mean that respectfully.” The game is scheduled for Sunday at American Field.
Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner acquired by the Dodgers from the Tigers in a blockbuster trade deadline deal, has posted a 2.61 ERA with 70 strikeouts over 61 innings since joining Los Angeles. He is slated to start NLCS Game 1 against Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, a National League Cy Young candidate.
The Brewers lineup, one of the best in baseball, aims to pressure Skubal with quality at-bats and small-ball tactics. The matchup is expected to be the Dodgers’ toughest test in October, following their four-game NLCS sweep of the Brewers in 2025.
NRT commentary
How We See It
Murphy’s blunt quote captures the competitive edge that defines October baseball, but it also underscores the psychological warfare of the postseason. Skubal’s arrival in Los Angeles transformed the Dodgers into an even greater powerhouse, and the Brewers know that beating him requires both skill and intimidation. His “respectfully” qualifier is a nod to the fine line between aggressive confidence and gamesmanship. What stands out is the contrast: Milwaukee’s small-ball approach versus Skubal’s power pitching. If the Brewers can force him into deep counts and capitalize on mistakes, they might just make the Dodgers regret their blockbuster move. But Skubal has been nearly untouchable since the trade, and with Misiorowski on the mound, this could be the rare NLCS where both starters are true aces. The stakes are high — the Dodgers have championship pedigree, but the Brewers are hungry to avenge last year’s sweep.
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