ATLANTA -- After giving up eight runs in his last start against the Rockies, Jeff Samardzija knew he had to command his slider and two-seam fastball in order to pitch more effectively.
In Wednesday's 5-3 loss against the Braves, the Giants right-hander was more like himself as he struck out eight batters and didn't allow a walk over seven innings. He got the no-decision but was far more efficient, as 60 of his 79 pitches were strikes.
"For the most part it [the slider] was a good pitch for us and I got a lot of outs on it," Samardzija said.