The Los Angeles Dodgers salvaged their series against the Houston Astros with a 6-2 win at Minute Maid Park, led by a dominant start from River Ryan.
The rookie right-hander allowed just one run on two hits and struck out a career-best eight batters in 5.2 innings pitched. He issued walks to the first two batters of the game and then went on to retire 11 of the next 12.
Ryan carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning, but lost it after giving up a leadoff double to Jon Singleton. Singleton was stranded after Ryan got the next three outs.
After the game, Ryan attributed his success to keeping the same game plan that he’s used for his entire career, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
“I just stuck to the same game plan I’ve done my whole career, against lefties and righties,” Ryan said. “I was able to execute very well today and it worked out for me.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was impressed with Ryan’s arsenal of pitches:
“The fastball certainly plays and has a lot of life,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I thought today the secondary, the curveball was really good versus right — but particularly versus left-handed hitters. … It was good to see him use that four-pitch mix effectively and, you know, we pushed him.”
Ryan was thrilled to accomplish his longtime goal of earning a Major League win:
“Unbelievable,” Ryan said of winning his first career game. “It’s something you work for your whole life, pitching in the big leagues. Fortunately I was able to come out with a W.”
Ryan has provided a much-needed boost to the Dodgers rotation at a time of uncertainty, with Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw recently returning from injury, but other key starters still working their way back.
Through two big league starts, Ryan has posted a minuscule 0.82 ERA, 2.97 FIP and 1.09 WHIP with 10 strikeouts against six walks in 11 innings pitched.
Will River Ryan remain in Dodgers rotation?
Ryan is currently part of a five-man rotation, but all signs point to the Dodgers adding at least one starter before the July 30 trade deadline.
Even with a potential addition and the expected return of others, Ryan presumably has earned more opportunities with the Dodgers.
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