I remember Kelly Downs when he debuted with the Giants in 1986-July 29 at Dodger Stadium. He lost. Not until August 27 did he get his first win and that was at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Eight innings of five hit ball with 4K's and no walks got him his win over ex-Giant Andy McGaffigan. That win brought his record to 1-4and with another three wins in a row he finished the year 4-4 with a 2.75 ERA. On the 87 division winners he was 12-9 with a 3.63. In his second start of the season he threw his first shutout. Allowing just three hits Downs faced 31 Padres in San Diego, he struck out seven and walked one. He threw two more shutouts that year coming against the Expos and again against the Padres. In the postseason
he only made one appearance and that was in relief against the Cards.
1988 was his last good season when he went 13-9 with a 3.32. Injuries kept him to a combined 31 game over 89 and 90. The next two season were mostly spent out of the Giants pen. His last two seasons were in Oakland where he was both starting and relieving and according to his WAR numbers he had a combined total of 0. His best WAR season was in 87 with a 1.9.
As for the card-not the most energetic of efforts but at least the blue sky in the background gives the card a tolerable look.
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