Julio Urias took a perfect game into the sixth inning when he last faced the San Francisco Giants, but he failed to replicate that performance in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 11-6 loss at Dodger Stadium.
It took all of one batter on Saturday for it to become evident Urias would not have similar success in a second consecutive start against the Giants. Austin Slater opened the game with a base hit, though Urias then picked him off.
That loomed large as Buster Posey followed with a double. Matt Beaty later made a sliding catch to help Urias complete a first inning. The Giants continued to make more contact in the second, third and fourth, taking a 7-2 lead in the process.
The 11 hits marked a career-worst, and the seven runs (six earned) tied for the most Urias has ever allowed. Making consecutive starts against the same opponent can create trouble for a pitcher, though Urias doesn’t believe that was much of a factor.
“I did the same thing. I was aggressive, I went after the guys,” he said. “I just don’t think the pitches were as effective as they’ve been in the past. The fastball wasn’t there and didn’t really have the other stuff working for me.
“But I stayed aggressive and tried to keep attacking and keep working as best as I could. … I think they came with a plan and I came with a plan. I made some adjustments in-game, and obviously all the balls that were hit were not hit as hard as I think they were, but that’s part of the game. It’s just a bad day.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts cited a lack of fastball command for Urias’ struggles and also dismissed the idea that seeing the Giants so soon after dominating them at Oracle Park was to blame.
“I think the easy look at it is the familiarity with the hitters, but the pitchers have that same familiarity and can choose to attack similarly or attack differently,” he said. “I just think it still boils down to execution.”
Silver lining for Urias
The Dodgers have heavily leaned on their four starting pitchers since Dustin May was lost to Tommy John surgery, and they have responded nearly each time. Although Urias endured a rough outing, completing five innings was notable to help preserve the bullpen.
“I think you’ve still got to give Julio credit for being able to shorten the game a little bit and get through five innings,” Roberts said.
“I think losing a game — it’s also how you lose it — and being able to save an arm or two for tomorrow and the days to come is important. I know that our starters take pride in that.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and more!
