After the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a historic sweep against the San Diego Padres filled with three consecutive shutouts, they suffered their first loss of the season to the San Francisco Giants in Thursday’s series opener at AT&T Park.
The second game of the set featured Ross Stripling making his Major League debut against veteran right-hander Matt Cain.
Once the Dodgers went down quietly in the top of the first inning, it was Stripling’s turn to take the mound. His first out came on a Denard Span deep fly ball to center field. Stripling then retired Joe Panik on a soft comebacker, and got some help from Scott Van Slyke who covered plenty of ground to track down a fly ball in left-center field for the third out.
Yasiel Puig collected the first hit of the game with a one-out single in the second inning. He then stole second base with two outs, but was stranded as Van Slyke flied out to end the inning. Stripling continued to pitch with plenty of poise as he set the Giants down in order in the bottom of the second.
Chase Utley lined a two-out pitch off Belt’s glove, then beat Cain to the bag as the Giants attempted to complete the 3-4-1 putout. Nothing came of it however, as Corey Seager grounded out.
Stripling picked up his first Major League strikeout in the bottom of the third by getting Trevor Brown to fan on a curveball. The young righty then ended the inning by hitting the outside corner against Cain for called strike three.
CONTINUE READING: Ross Stripling removed in eighth inning with no-hitter
