Hernandez Zeros In on Braves’ Lineup
Persistence paid off for Livan Hernandez.
After several near misses, the San Francisco Giants right-hander got his first shutout in his 105th major league start, defeating Atlanta and Greg Maddux, 2-0, Friday night.
“It took a long time, but it feels great,” Hernandez said after pitching a four-hitter. “I didn’t go into the game with the idea of pitching a shutout, but after I got through six innings, I knew I had a chance.”
Hernandez (12-9) had taken shutouts into the eighth inning five previous times this season.
Maddux (13-6) almost was as good, giving up five hits and striking out eight in seven innings. The difference Rich Aurilia’s two-out, two-run homer in the fourth.
“I had to pitch well because Maddux pitched a great game, too,” Hernandez said.
Atlanta has scored only 10 runs in Maddux’ last six starts, a stretch in which he is 1-5 despite a 2.72 earned-run average.
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