Dodgers' Kubal Jokes About 53-Degree Heat, Earning Laughs at Press Conference

Dodgers pitcher Tarshi Kubal earned his third career postseason win with a strong six-inning, one-run performance in the NL Division Series against the Braves on October 3 in Los Angeles, but his postgame press conference drew laughter when he joked about playing in 53-degree heat. Kubal, who allowed one hit and then retired 15 consecutive batters, noted the day's high of 39 degrees was manageable, saying Arizona kids play in such heat all season. He allowed a solo home run in the sixth inning but escaped a two-on, two-out jam by striking out Olson, prompting an emotional reaction from Shohei Ohtani on the bench. The left-hander from Arizona emphasized that heat should not affect mental focus or pitching, describing his routine as simply throwing and hydrating. He acknowledged the warmth was undeniable but stressed all teams faced the same conditions.