The Los Angeles Dodgers did not know what to expect of pitcher Ross Stripling in his MLB debut.
Stripling, who was named the Dodgers’ fifth starter after injuries to Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon Beachy and Mike Bolsinger, would exceed all expectations by not allowing a hit against the San Francisco Giants.
However, Stripling was deprived of the chance to become the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in his MLB debut since Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bumpus Jones in 1892 when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts removed Stripling after walking Angel Pagan 7 1/3 innings into his masterpiece. Even Giants fans booed Stripling’s removal.
Dodgers reliever Chris Hatcher promptly gave up a game tying hit to Trevor Brown. Minutes later, Roberts was ejected for arguing balls and strikes. It was the first time in nearly 20 years as a player or coach that Roberts had ever been ejected from a game. Somehow I have a feeling he won’t go 20 years before his next ejection.
The Giants won the game in the 10th inning on a solo home run by Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford and Stripling would have nothing to show for his efforts.
Sometimes life just isn’t fair even if it makes for interesting conversation.
