SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rivalry games are nothing new to Jeff Samardzija, a former Notre Dame wide receiver who on Sunday recalled some big games against USC and Michigan.
Now it’s Giants-Dodgers.
In his first Giants appearance against the Dodgers, Samardzija struck out his first three batters. He lasted three innings and yielded five hits, all singles, though the Dodgers won 5-2 at sold-out Scottsdale Stadium on a lovely Sunday in which both teams’ fans were well represented and loud.
“I understand what it’s all about. I love it,” Samardzija said. “That’s what sports is all about, man.