Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu has already established himself as a solid pitcher early in his major-league career, and he showed the ability to help himself at the plate as well Saturday against the Diamondbacks.
Ryu allowed three runs in six innings of work for his third quality start in as many outings. He struck out a career-high nine batters, and really only ran into trouble late in the outing. Ryu allowed each of the two batters he faced in the seventh inning to reach before earning a hook. Reliever Ronald Belisario allowed both runners to score.
Ryu also went 3 for 3 with a double in the game for the first hits of his career, and he scored a run. On the mound, Ryu walked just one batter, throwing 68 of 107 pitches for strikes. He earned the win in a 7-5 final, pushing his record to 2-1 with a 2.89 ERA. He has struck out 20 batters with just three walks in his first 18 2/3 innings.
Ryu will make his next start Friday against the Orioles, his first interleague start. Baltimore is averaging 5.1 runs per game.