The San Francisco Giants came to Cincinnati on Friday with a feather in their cap after handing the Phillies their first home series loss of the season, but immediately found themselves in a 13 inning marathon in steamy conditions that eventually merited a loss for the Black and Orange. But tonight they seek some revenge as Madison Bumgarner takes the mound to face Mike Leake and the Reds, looking for his third win in a row for the first time this season.
It's been a bit of a see-saw season for Bumgarner (6-9 3.56 ERA) thus far, but the young left-hander has been dominant as of late. He allowed only one run on eight hits in seven 2/3 innings against the Brewers in his last outing, as well as having five quality starts in his last six turns in the rotation. He also hasn't allowed more than two walks in his last 19 starts, something a Giants pitcher hadn't done since Juan Marichal in 1970-1971 in a span of 21 straight starts. Bummy last took on the Reds toward the beginning of June, keeping Cincy to one run on eight hits in seven innings of work at AT&T Park, hopefully he can do something similar at the Great American Ballpark this evening.
The Reds will send out right-hander Mike Leake (8-6 4.04 ERA), who is trying to stop a two-game skid of his own after dropping his last two decisions. He pitched well in those outings though, allowing only three runs in 12 1/3 innings of work. He took on the Giants on June 11, tossing eight straight goose eggs along with four hits and a season high eight strikeouts. Still, the Giants are currently batting .396 against Leake as they try to even this series at one game apiece.
The Giants are 8-0-2 over their last 10 series played, and are winners of nine of their last 14 games. They also are 19-4 in three game series on the year, another impressive stat.
First pitch is set for 4:10 pm PT this evening with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.