Dodgers 3, Padres 2: Ross’s gem goes to waste

Tyson Ross looked incredible tonight, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning and a shutout into the seventh. But a rough seventh inning and a frustrating offensive performance meant all those great innings were absolutely wasted as the goddamn Dodgers ascended to first place.

The Padres didn’t lack for opportunities. Wil Myers had the first hit of the game, a two-out double in the first. But the slumping Eric Hosmer left him stranded there. The second inning was worse. Jose Pirela led off with a double, but he got stuck on third. The Friars even loaded the bases in the fourth on a two-out rally, but Ross struck out to end the threat.

Tyson’s night ended a few batters into the seventh inning. After Yasmani Grandal popped out to start the inning, Chris Taylor doubled to left. A single from Andrew Taylor plated him to end the shutout and send Ross to the showers. But that might have been a mistake, as Craig Stammen beaned Kiké Hernandez right away. Chase Utley loaded the bases by leaning into a pitch like the dirtbag he is, and then goddamn Matt Kemp hit an RBI single. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses for the Dodgers, as Hernandez foolishly tried to score on the play, even though Myers had him dead to rights. Still, that put LA up 2-0, and Joc Pederson hit another single to make it 3-0. Matt Strahm finally stopped the bleeding when he fanned Cody Bellinger.

The Friars put together a small rally of their own after the stretch. Austin Hedges drew a dreamy walk to start the inning, and Franmil Reyes moved him along with a single. The next two Pads got punched out by Daniel Hudson, but Wil Myers hit his second double of the evening to narrow the gap to a single run. But Hosmer wrapped up his 0-for-4 night by grounding out to end the inning. Two hitless innings later, the game was over.

Clayton Richard will try to end his first half on a high note as the Cubs come to town tomorrow. First pitch at 7:10 PM.