Giants vs. Cardinals: Madison Bumgarner will start Game 1 of NLCS

San Francisco Giants left-hander Madison Bumgarner will start Game 1 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

With Matt Cain unavailable after he started Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds, the Giants will turn to the 23-year-old Bumgarner. Bumgarner started Game 2 of the NLDS and struggled, allowing four runs over 4-1/3-innings. He will be working on full rest in Game 1, having not pitched since October 7.

The start will be Bumgarner's fifth career postseason start and sixth appearance. In 25 career postseason innings, Bumgarner has a 3.24 ERA and has struck out 22 batters. In two previous NLCS appearances, he's allowed three runs over 6-2/3-innings.

With Bumgarner starting Game 1, Ryan Vogelsong will start Game 2 of the series on Monday. Vogelsong allowed one run over five innings in his one NLDS start. Monday's start will be just his second career playoff appearance.

By winning their series against the Reds and having St. Louis knock off the Washington Nationals, the Giants will have home-field advantage in the NLCS. First pitch for Game 1 is set for 5 p.m. PT on Sunday.