Call it coincidence. Call it timing. Or if you’re feeling superstitious, go ahead and call it a jinx.
Just days after The Diamond Chronicle ran a glowing feature on Greg Maddux’s masterful 1995 campaign, the Los Angeles ace finally looked—well, human. In his most recent start on June 24, Maddux allowed 10 hits and four earned runs over 8.0 innings in a 4–2 loss to the San Diego Padres, snapping his winning streak and marking his second loss of the season.
For a pitcher who had been practically untouchable over his previous ten outings, the timing has sparked some playful finger-pointing.
“Well,” Maddux said with a dry grin after the game, “that’ll teach people to write about me.”
Still Elite, Even in a Loss
Make no mistake: Maddux didn’t pitch poorly. He didn’t walk a single batter, struck out nine, and once again went the distance. But the Padres strung together timely hits—including three in the seventh that pushed across the go-ahead runs—and handed Maddux a rare blemish in what has otherwise been a spotless year.
Even after the loss, his numbers remain among the league’s best:
- 11–2 record
- 2.98 ERA
- 143 K / 18 BB in 134.2 IP
- 0.86 WHIP, 2.45 FIP, ERA+ of 133
He’s still gone at least 7.0 innings in 11 straight starts and hasn’t walked more than two batters in any outing this season. If this is what regression looks like, most teams would happily take it.
The Narrative Turns
There’s something about timing in baseball. A red-hot stretch followed by a well-deserved spotlight often invites irony. Whether it’s a “cover curse,” a classic broadcaster’s jinx, or simply the randomness of a 162-game grind, even the best run into turbulence.
“Greg’s been our rock,” said Dodgers manager. “He’s earned the right to have one not go our way. That wasn’t on him.”
The Dodgers’ offense managed just two runs in the loss—both coming on solo shots—while the bullpen was never needed thanks to Maddux’s complete-game workload. But on a night where he didn’t have the margin for error he’s grown used to, even a sharp outing wasn’t enough.
Bigger Picture
Los Angeles remains mired in the middle of the United League West, now sitting 14 games back of the red-hot San Francisco Giants and fighting to stay afloat in the wildcard conversation. With playoff margins tightening and the offense showing signs of inconsistency, Maddux’s starts carry even more weight moving forward.
One loss doesn’t change that.
“You tip your cap and move on,” Maddux said. “If this is the low point, I’ll take it.”
The Verdict
Was it a jinx? Maybe. But if history tells us anything, Greg Maddux isn’t one to let a single stumble turn into a spiral. And if anything, Saturday’s outing was a reminder of just how high the bar has been set—and how rarely he dips below it.
Look for a response in his next start. If there’s one thing Maddux does better than pitch, it’s bounce back.