Jeff Samardzija made his first start for the Giants against the Dodgers
Samardzija struck out the side in the first inning
Right-hander gave up a run on five hits with five strikeouts in three innings
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
Sports rivalries are familiar territory for Jeff Samardzija. The right-hander has pitched in Cubs-Cardinals games. He played wide receiver for Notre Dame against USC and Michigan.
Sunday, Samardzija got his first taste of Giants-Dodgers, albeit in a Cactus League game in early spring. And the Giants’ offseason addition introduced himself to one of baseball’s best and oldest rivalries by striking out the side in the first inning, fanning the Dodgers’ Carl Crawford, Joc Pederson and Yasiel Puig in succession.