San Francisco Giants starter Madison Bumgarner has had quite the see-saw second season of his MLB career, showing flashes of brilliance one moment followed by innings of disaster as well. Bummy was rocked for the most hits he's allowed all season by the Houston Astros in his last start, but can get a little revenge against them tonight at AT&T Park.
Bumgarner (7-12 3.68 ERA) has been the Giants least supported starter, getting only 52 runs of support in 26 starts this season. That is saying a lot considering Tim Lincecum has had nine outings this year without a single run scored for him, making the left-handed Bumgarner's mark even more ridiculous. Unlike Lincecum though, Bumgarner has allowed three runs or more in an inning nine times this season, something I'm sure he'd like to improve on. Hopefully the seven runs and 11 hits he gave up to Houston in his last outing will be etch-a-sketched from his memory banks and will be ready to dominante tonight.
The Astros will counter with J.A. Happ (4-14, 6.26 ERA)after being recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City Wednesday as the 'Stros attempt to limit youngster Jordan Lyles' innings. It will be Happ's first start in the Majors since August 5. He is coming off a 1-0 stint with a 1.50 ERA in three games with the RedHawks, holding opponents to a .177 batting average, including seven scoreless innings his last time out.
First pitch is set for 7:15 pm PT this evening with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.