Dodgers beat the Reds as Ryu took a perfect game into the 8th inning- May 2014
The LA Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds played a strange game at Dodger Stadium on Memorial Day May 26th to open up a 3 game series. This Reds started Johnny Cueto, who has been the best pitcher in the league this year compiling 4-3 record and a 1.86 ERA along with a major league baseball record of of 10 straight games of 7 innings or more with no more than 2 runs allowed. His counterpart was Hyun-Jin Ryu for the home team and his 4-2 record and 3.00 ERA. The big news of this game was that Ryu carried a perfect game into the 8th inning. So it seemed like this would be a pitcher’s dual especially with the early 5pm start and twilight time so it was tough to see for the hitters. Things looked like they would go that way until an error by the Red’s first-baseman Todd Frasier allowed an unearned run to score with 2 outs by not getting in front of a grounder. Justin Turner made two great plays early to preserve the bid and keep the Dodgers ahead. Another error by shortstop Zach Cozart allowed 2 more unearned runs to score to give LA and Ryu a 4-0 lead after a big double by Carl Crawford scoring a couple runs. That led the Reds to replace Cueto who ended his string going only 6 and 1/3 giving up one unearned run.
That seemed to plenty enough even after Frasier opened up the top of the 8th with a double. Ryu ended up getting only one more out giving up 3 hits before Brian Wilson replaced him. Cincinnati should have tied the game but a crucial coaching error by long time coach Steve Smith cost them. The Reds loaded the bases with 2 outs and Billy Hamilton hit a shot in the gap in right center with the Dodgers up 4-1 at the time. It looked like all 3 runs would score to clear the bases but for some reason, Smith decided to hold Skip Schumaker as he appeared he would score easily. What made it even more strange is it was late in the game and light-hitting Cozart was coming up next with Dodger stopper Jansen already warming up. Well, that big break helped the Dodgers win 4-3 as Jansen did come in to retire Brandon Phillips after Cozart walked to end Wilson’s night and he closed out the game for his 15th save while helping Ryu keep the victory. It also seemed odd that Jay Bruce didn’t pinch hit for Cozart so all in all, this was a strange game.
There has never been back to back no-hitters in the history of baseball so the Dodgers were close as the day before Josh Beckett no-hit the Phillies so things were looking interesting the later the game went on Andre Either apron night.
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