San Francisco Giants shut out by Arizona Diamondbacks despite Madison Bumgarner’s solid pitching

Sep 18, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants second baseman

(37) turns a double play against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco Giants confound and amaze me. And sometimes not in a good way. Like Friday night.

It was frustrating for sure, heartbreaking‒absolutely, and without a doubt an absolute shock that they went down on a Madison Bumgarner start.

Hey, I know he is only human, honestly‒I don’t think he is to blame. In fact, I know he’s not. He pitched a great game. He even provided a little levity at the end when he was obviously ordered to intentionally walk an Arizona hitter.

Bumgarner actually had a conference with Buster Posey before throwing the first wide pitch‒I have no idea what he said, but I imagine it went something like: are you sure that’s what the Skip wants me to do? Give this guy a free pass? Do I have to? Really?

Bumgarner even got the hitter’s attention after he boarded first base, and when the hitter looked at him, Bumgarner said something, making the hitter smile‒maybe even chuckle a little.

Bumgarner pitched eight solid innings, allowing two runs (one unearned) on five hits and three walks while striking out seven. The bullpen combined three pitchers to get the three outs in the ninth.

For the most part, the Giants were good on defense, in fact they made a brilliant around the horn double play in the fourth that could make the highlight reels. Alejandro De Aza made an error in the sixth, though, that gave the Diamondbacks a run.

The Giants bats were quiet. Almost silent. The Giants hit two singles and drew four walks for the entire game. They had runners in scoring position three times. In the fourth, Angel Pagan drew a walk and Matt Duffy hit a single.

The Giants loaded the bases in the sixth: Pagan was hit by a pitch, Alejandro De Aza walked, the Diamondbacks intentionally walked Buster, and then Brandon Belt ground out to end the inning.

Belt left the game in the top of the ninth, complaining of inability to focus or concentrate. Manager Bruce Bochy said they were going to have Belt looked at and he probably wouldn’t be in Tuesday’s game.

Jarrett Parker pinch hit in the pitcher’s spot in the eighth and he knocked the stuffing out of that ball. It looked like our newest rookie was going to hit another home run. And he would have too, if not for an amazing play by the Arizona centerfielder, who reached up and over the fence, stealing the home run from our rookie. Unbelievable. Heartbreaking.

Buster got a base hit in the ninth, advanced to second on defensive indifference, but the game ended with Marlon Byrd striking out. The final score was: Giants 0, Arizona 2

The Giants didn’t look at all like the same guys that have been playing at home lately. I’m not sure what happened to them Friday, but whatever it was, hopefully it’s gone by Saturday. Because the Giants aren’t giving up and neither am I.

It ain’t over yet. I still believe.