Samardzija (7-4) struggled through 4.2 innings in a no-decision Saturday against the Dodgers. He gave up two runs, seven hits and two walks while striking out three.
Analysis:The first-year Giant had pitched into at least the sixth inning in his first 10 starts for the team. However, Samardzija has now failed to make it past the fifth in three consecutive outings while running his ERA (3.36) to its highest level since Apr. 27. The right-hander out of Notre Dame struggled to locate his fastball, working from behind in the count for most of the night. Samardzija will look for better results when he takes the hill for his next start Friday against the Rays.
