Giants' Johnny Cueto: Pitches well, but ends up with no-decision Friday

Cueto struck out eight and gave up just two runs in eight innings in a no-decision against the Dodgers on Friday. He only allowed three hits and did not walk a batter.

Analysis:

After a two-run first inning, Cueto settled down and retired 21 of the next 23 hitters. He was going blow-for-blow with Clayton Kershaw until the Giants' closer, Santiago Casilla, surrendered the lead in the ninth. Even though he didn't get the win, Cueto strengthened his bid to be in the Cy Young conversation by lowering his ERA to 2.16 to complement his 9-1 record.