San Francisco Giants: Madison Kyle Bumgarner Dominates Despite Loss

The San Francisco Giants were re-branded the Madison Kyle Bumgarners today as the left handed pitcher, and right handed hitter dominated the Arizona Diamondbacks for seven innings on both sides of the plate as the Giants lost 6-5.

The Giants bullpen blew two saves today, first from Derek Law in the 8th inning and then a second time with new closer Mark Melancon in the ninth.

Despite the loss, Madison Bumgarner hit two home runs and pitched seven strong innings in the win. Bumgarner struck out 11 and also had a perfect game through the first 5 1/3 innings.

His first home run came in the fifth inning as the Giants led 1-0. It was the second time in Bumgarner’s career he homered against Arizona’s starter Zack Greinke.

His second home run came in the seventh inning. He became the first pitcher in Major League history to homer twice on Opening Day. He also set a new record for home runs by a Giants pitcher in franchise history with 16.

His two home runs were historic for a number of reasons, but they were also two of the hardest hit baseballs in the statcast era.

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• Atlanta claims SF Giants C Chadwick Tromp off waivers

Takeaways from Game 1 of 162:

• Eduardo Nunez had a great day, with 3 hits, an RBI and 2 stolen bases. He nearly stole a third base, but was called out after replay.
• Denard Span was on base twice today as well, and also was picked off 1st base after replay. Despite the Giants losing both replays, Span and Nunez showed plenty of potential for speed the team lacked last season.
• Brandon Belt had two walks from the #2 spot in the batting order.
• Conor Gillaspie did Conor Gillaspie things, as he started right where he left off last year with a pinch hit sac fly in the ninth to give the Giants a 5-4 lead.

Next: Giants vs Diamondbacks Series Preview

Be sure to check back every day for the latest San Francisco Giants news and notes all season long at Around the Foghorn. Giants and Diamondbacks play again tomorrow in Arizona at 5:40 PST.