Robbie Ray Dominates as Giants Edge Padres to Split Series

Robbie Ray delivered a masterclass on the mound Thursday, striking out nine batters over seven innings, propelling the San Francisco Giants to a 3-2 victory against the San Diego Padres. This win not only marked a significant moment for Ray but also made him the first pitcher in the National League to reach eight victories this season.

Ray, now boasting an impressive 8-1 record, allowed just two runs and four hits while issuing one walk. The 33-year-old left-hander showcased his dominance by retiring the side in order on four occasions and preventing any runner from advancing past first base during his final four innings. After giving up a home run to Manny Machado in the third inning, Ray found his rhythm, retiring 11 consecutive batters.

Relief efforts came from Randy Rodriguez, who retired three batters, and Camilo Doval, who secured his eighth save by striking out Jake Cronenworth in a tense ninth inning with runners on second and third.

Dominic Smith was pivotal for the Giants, contributing three hits, including a crucial two-run ground-rule double that provided the go-ahead runs in the third inning. Meanwhile, Machado celebrated his 350th career home run, driving in two runs for the Padres.

San Diego threatened in the ninth with runners at second and third, but Doval's strikeout of Cronenworth sealed the game. Earlier, the Giants had struggled to capitalize on opportunities, stranding three runners in the first two innings before finally breaking through against Padres starter Dylan Cease.

Cease (1-5) allowed three runs while striking out seven batters. In a notable play, Padres infielder Jose Iglesias was caught trying to stretch a single into a double in the seventh inning, thanks to a precise one-hop throw from Giants left fielder Jerar Encarnacion.

Ray's consistency has been remarkable this season; he has recorded at least seven strikeouts in nine of his 13 starts. Looking ahead, Giants right-hander Hayden Birdsong (3-1, 2.37 ERA) is set to face the Braves on Friday, while Padres right-hander Randy Vázquez (3-4, 3.99) will pitch against the Brewers in Milwaukee.