Bumgarner shines in last Cactus start
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Madison Bumgarner did what he was supposed to do against a Cincinnati Reds lineup composed mainly of aspiring backups. He dominated them, much as he does against batting orders filled with accomplished veterans.
Bumgarner allowed two runs and four hits while striking out nine in seven innings Monday, helping the Giants outdistance the Cincinnati Reds, 14-2.
The Giants will expect Bumgarner to deliver a similar performance Sunday when they open the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Moreover, Bumgarner expects that of himself.
"I feel like I'm as ready as I can be to start the season," said Bumgarner, who pitched 16 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run until Cincinnati scored its pair in the fifth. "Granted, they call it 'midseason form' for a reason. You don't get to it until about that time. But I'm definitely happy with the way I'm leaving the spring, for sure."
Bumgarner's final Cactus League stats bode well for him. He finished 1-0 with a 2.52 ERA in seven starts, walking five and striking out 23. Opponents batted .189 off him as he posted a 0.88 WHIP.
Worth noting
• Second baseman Joe Panik left the game in the fourth inning, two innings after Reds starter Cody Reed hit him with a pitch in the middle of his back. Manager Bruce Bochy confirmed that Panik felt fine.
• Spending a couple of days getting extra at-bats at practice games and in exhibitions at the organization's Minor League complex a few blocks away likely helped reserve outfielder Gorkys Hernandez regain his stroke. Hernandez, batting .159, lifted his batting average to .202 by doubling three times in five at-bats. He also drove in three runs. "Without question, it helped his timing," Bochy said, referring to Hernandez's tutorial. "He was off."
• While discussing the Giants' batting order, Bochy spoke of Jarrett Parker as if he were an everyday player. But Bochy resisted naming Parker the starting left fielder. "I need to talk to the players [involved]," Bochy said.
Chris Haft has covered the Giants since 2005, and for MLB.com since 2007. Follow him on Twitter at @sfgiantsbeat and listen to his podcast. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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