Being part of a Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff that features Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler, it would certainly be understandable if Hyun-Jin Ryu was somewhat of an afterthought. However, after an impressive 2018 campaign, Ryu has been even more dominant this season.
It was interrupted in early April when Ryu suffered a left groin strain, but he made a speedy return and has hardly missed a beat. The Washington Nationals became the latest team to run into the buzzsaw that is Ryu, mustering all of one hit off the left-hander.
That came in the eighth inning when noted Dodgers nemesis Gerardo Parra drove a one-out, ground-rule double to left-center field. Parra’s hit nearly was not the first the Nationals recorded, however.
Stephen Strasburg hit a line drive into right field in the sixth inning. But Cody Bellinger sprinted to his left and threw a 93 mph strike to Max Muncy at first base for the 9-3 putout. The assist was Bellinger’s fourth this season, tying him for the National League lead.
It ultimately made for an exciting highlight rather than significant moment in history, which Ryu apologized for after his latest gem, via SportsNet LA:
“Just like last game he made a huge play and kept the no-hit streak going. Honestly, I want to say sorry to him because I could have accomplished something thanks to that play but in the end I did give up a hit. But just like last time, he’s very focused.”
Sunday’s start was a second in a row Ryu carried a no-hitter into at least the sixth inning. He wound up allowing four hits to the Atlanta Braves but threw a complete-game shutout. Just as impressive was Ryu did so on 93 pitches, therefore accomplishing a ‘Maddux.’
Given his string of recent results, it can be argued Ryu not allowing a hit is almost expected at this point. The bigger surprise on Mother’s Day was he walked Brian Dozier with one out in the fourth inning to end Ryu’s bid for a perfect game.
The free pass is one of only three handed out in 52.1 innings this season, compared to 54 strikeouts. Additionally, it was the first walk Ryu issued in a start at Dodger Stadium since Aug. 26, 2018.
