Robbie Ray Throws Five No-Hit Innings in Giants Debut

Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images

July 25, 2024

Giants 8, Dodgers 3

The San Francisco Giants looked to Robbie Ray to be the stopper in his 2024 debut after opening up the second half dropping four of five games to divisional opponents. This all comes during a critical stretch of games with Major League Baseball’s July 30 trade deadline looming. San Francisco’s deadline approach is still in limbo, being below .500 yet still in the race.

The Giants entered Wednesday’s contest yet to tally more than three runs in the second half. A concern considering a series was already played in Colorado, the league’s most hitter-friendly park. It squandered another quality start from Blake Snell on Monday, leaving him winless in the 2024 season thus far.

On the bump for these West Coast rivals were two starters making returns from the injured list. Los Angeles Dodgers all-star Tyler Glasnow returned from a back injury suffered on July 9. Starting pitcher Robbie Ray made his Giants and 2024 season debut. The 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner made his first appearance since March 31, 2023. San Francisco acquired Ray in an offseason trade with the Seattle Mariners.

Five No-Hit Innings for Robbie Ray in 2024 Debut for Giants

After nearly a year and a half on the shelf, Ray dazzled in an electric performance to begin his Giants career. Ray’s five innings pitched were the most no-hit innings by a San Francisco starter in his team debut in the expansion era. This gives the Giants a much-needed spark to cool down a red-hot Dodgers team, winners of five straight to open the second half.

Ray’s first inning required some settling in. He would load the bases early with two hit batters and a walk. Andy Pages would bring home the game’s first run with a walk to jump out 1-0. Ray would retire the next 14 Dodger batters in order in dominant fashion, striking out eight. After finding his command, the 32-year-old left-hander showcased exactly what San Francisco had envisioned in hopes of him bolstering the rotation come the second half. With no surprise, Giants manager Bob Melvin would pull Ray after five innings in his season debut. Ray posted a stat line of 5.0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, and 8 K in 86 pitches thrown.

Giants Offense Erupts in 8th Inning

Matt Chapman’s 14th home run of the year would tie the score at one apiece. An RBI single by Mike Yastremski later in the fourth would give the Giants a 2-1 lead.

San Francisco would bust things open in the top of the eighth, with a six-run inning. The Giants batted around the order in the inning to plate six behind RBI singles by Yastremski, Patrick Bailey, and Heliot Ramos. As a team, the Giants had not scored more than five runs on the road since June 17.

Looking for a Series Split

The Dodgers managed to get in the hit column in the bottom of the seventh when Chris Taylor doubled into the gap off Tyler Rogers. Los Angeles would plate two more runs in the final innings, being too little, too late with the Giants securing the 8-3 victory.

San Francisco looks to salvage a series split at Dodger Stadium in a Thursday matinee. Giants ace Logan Webb gets the start against future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw, who makes his 2024 season debut.