The Los Angeles Dodgers lost to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night, but not because of new starting pitcher Tarik Skubal. 

Skubal, whom L.A. recently acquired in a trade with the Detroit Tigers, made his Dodgers debut at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night. The two-time American League Cy Young winner was every bit as good as advertised. In six innings pitched, he threw 85 pitches (51 strikes), allowing just four hits and two runs. 

The Dodgers offense ultimately cost them in the 5-1 loss. Skubal's not sweating that. He knows he turned in a solid performance, despite being much more nervous than normal. 

Tarik Skubal talks Dodgers debut

Seventh-year pitcher Skubal admitted in a postgame news conference that Tuesday night's game felt like his major league debut in terms of "nerves running through" his body. The anxiety still didn't impact him. 

"I think my stuff was plenty good," Skubal said. "I felt like I commanded everything really well. When I was missing, I was missing in the areas I wanted to go to."

Skubal letting it rip in a tense road environment should give the Dodgers more confidence that he can do the same in the postseason. "The Friendly Confines" weren't so friendly. A plane flew an anti-Dodgers banner before the game, and Chicago fans booed the pitcher, who was making his first start at Wrigley. He didn't mind.

"The Cubs fan base is awesome. It's a ton of fun to play in front of. And whether they're rooting for you or against you, I love the fans ...I actually haven't made a home start in the postseason. They've all been on the road. So I've pitched in pretty good environments, and I'd say that's up there with any of the postseason starts."

Tuesday's environment should prepare Skubal for pitching on the road in the playoffs, which he'll almost certainly do with the Dodgers (69-45 entering Wednesday). Entering  Wednesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook lists L.A. (+155) as the World Series favorite.