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‘Consistent’ Samardzija gives Giants big outing
- Updated: September 23, 2016
SAN DIEGO — The power of Jeff Samardzija’s pitching Thursday night created the distinct impression that he could have lasted into the 10th inning or beyond against the Padres.
Of course, working overtime was unnecessary for Samardzija and the rest of the Giants, who mustered a pair of eighth-inning runs and made them stand up in a 2-1 triumph over San Diego at Petco Park that kept San Francisco in possession of a National League Wild Card spot.
Samardzija (12-10) continued to demonstrate why the Giants signed him to a five-year, $90 million contract last offseason. He blanked San Diego on four hits through seven innings, matching a season high with nine strikeouts and allowing one Padre to reach scoring position.
Samardzija has relied on consistent mechanics to compile a 2.48 ERA in his last 10 starts. Giants manager Bruce Bochy pointed out that Samardzija’s precise delivery has made a difference.
“He’s so consistent with it,” Bochy said. “That’s probably the biggest thing, because it has enabled him to command the …