What happened: Tarik Skubal is the focal point before first pitch as the Dodgers prepare for a scheduled game. The pregame read on facing him from the right side was blunt: a strikeout may be part of the bargain, and the rest of the plate appearances have to carry the adjustment.

Why it matters: That lens matters with Los Angeles already up 4-0 in the series and the game still at 0-0 before it starts. How hitters choose to survive Skubal's matchup can frame the tone of another Dodgers game in this set.

What to watch: Watch how right-handed hitters attack Skubal once the game begins and whether that approach changes after the first look.