Dodgers' Hill pulled after 7 perfect innings

In a moment of Dodgers deja vu, manager Dave Roberts removed Rich Hill from Saturday's start after the left-hander completed seven perfect innings against the Miami Marlins.

Hill, making just his third start since July 17 because of injuries, was visibly upset after Roberts informed him he was done after 89 pitches. The veteran lefty was replaced by Joe Blanton, who retired the first two batters of the eighth before allowing a two-out single to Jeff Francoeur to end the perfect bid.

Moments before being pulled, Hill's bid at history was kept intact by Yasiel Puig's spectacular diving catch to end the seventh.

Acquired at the trade deadline from the Athletics, Hill's battled persistent finger blister issues this season but has performed well when healthy. In his previous start, he no-hit the Padres for 5 2/3 innings, and he has yet to allow a run over 19 frames with the Dodgers.

One day after the 51st anniversary of Sandy Koufax throwing the only perfect game in Dodgers history, Hill was once again untouchable Saturday. The 36-year-old struck out nine, threw 62 of his pitches for strikes, and relied heavily on an effective curveball he used more than his heater.

Roberts' controversial decision was the second such move made this season by the first-year manager, who pulled rookie Ross Stripling from a no-hitter in the eighth during his MLB debut. One batter later, Giants catcher Trevor Brown hit a game-tying homer and the Dodgers lost in extra innings.