SAN FRANCISCO._ After three straight losses over the weekend against the D-backs, Monday night the Dodgers needed Julio Urías to do what has become the norm since he became a full-time starter: win.
Urías did not disappoint, allowing just four hits and one run in 6 innings, with two walks and eight strikeouts, to lead the 9-1 victory against the Giants and thus extend a spectacular start to the season almost unprecedented for Latin American pitchers.
After the victory against San Francisco, Urías is 3-0 in 2023, in addition to a 1.50 ERA, 20 strikeouts and only two walks. According to Baseball-Reference, the only Latin American-born pitcher to begin a major league season by winning his first three starts and posting numbers equal to or better than the Culiacán native in ERA, walks and strikeouts, he is exalted in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame.
In 1966, and defending the colors of the team that Urías defeated on Monday, the Dominican Juan Marichal began the campaign by throwing three complete games (later he would lead to five that straight) and allowing only two clean runs in 27 innings, for a 0.67 ERA. . He walked two and struck out 23. That season, Marichal finished with a 25-6 record with a 2.23 ERA.
But even if you broaden the search to pitchers of any nationality who have started a year with a 3-0 record, a 1.50 ERA or better, two or fewer walks and 20 or more strikeouts, the list is impressive.
win and win
Thanks to his talented left arm and also the cavalry that often backs him up with hits, there is no pitcher who has notched more major league wins over the past three seasons than the Culiacán native. And the difference is overwhelming.
Urías is 40-10 with a 2.52 ERA since the 2021 season began. His 40 wins are nine more than his closest rival, Gerrit Cole (31). And his 2.52 ERA ranks second in that same span (minimum 200 innings pitched), just behind Max Scherzer (2.48).
Solid debut for Urías
That winning pace for Urías (52-17 lifetime record) also allowed him to make history when he won his first game this year, and the 50th of his career, on Opening Day against the Diamondbacks.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, these are the only pitchers in the Modern Era (since 1900) who had 17 losses or fewer by the time they posted their 50th win.
Pitchers with 3-0 record, 1.50 ERA
Julio Cesar Urías (LAD) 2023
Jason Vargas (KCR) 2017
Jake Arrieta (CHC) 2016
Roy Halladay (FIL) 2010
Cliff Lee* (CLE) 2008
Curt Schilling* (ARI) 2002
Randy Johnson (ARI) 2000
Greg Maddux* (ATL) 1994
Roger Clemens* (BOS) 1991
Tom Seaver* (NYM) 1972
Juan Marichal (SFG) 1966
Tom Cheney (WSA) 1963
Christy Mathewson (NYG) 1908
* Won Cy Young Award
Pitchers with 17 losses or fewer at the time of winning their 50 game
Record Pitcher Year of triumph 50
Julio César Urías 50-17 2023
Tim Hudson 50-17 2002
Dwight Gooden 50-16 1986
Whitey Ford 50-16 1955
Sal Maglie 50-14 1952
Johnny Allen 50-17 1935
