Giants want Bumgarner to be stopper vs. A’s
Arguably no National League team has dominated June like the Giants. Unfortunately, their month of terror runs the risk of ending with a whimper.
That’s where Madison Bumgarner comes in. San Francisco’s ace toes the rubber tonight in an effort to ward off a four-game sweep by the Bay Area rival A’s, with a 10:10 p.m. ET first pitch at Oakland Coliseum. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI like the visiting crew to salvage the series. Bob Melvin’s troops, conversely, are +131 underdogs.
Despite looking relatively mortal in his most recent start, Bumgarner still carries an 8-4 record with a 1.99 ERA. The three-time All-Star will also bat for himself, meaning the Giants forfeit their right to a designated hitter. Bumgarner actually paces all active hurlers with 13 career homers and has amassed two Silver Slugger Awards.
The do-everything lefty and his teammates stand to get their hacks against Dillon Overton, who made his MLB debut last weekend. While the southpaw surrendered solo dingers to Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Kole Calhoun, he managed to secure the triumph in Oakland’s 7-3 verdict over the Angels. Overton’s exceptional stuff could present trouble for a San Francisco lineup beset by injuries. Manager Bruce Bochy watched second baseman Joe Panik (disabled list) land on the disabled list just 24 hours ago, joining other valuable cogs such as Matt Duffy (left Achilles strain), Kelby Tomlinson (left thumb sprain) and Ehire Adrianza (fractured left foot).
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Still, Bumgarner’s road achievements speak for themselves. He is 4-2 with 56 strikeouts away from AT&T Park. The A’s are riding a bit of a wave, but can they topple one of the transcendent throwers in the sport? Don’t count on it.
THURSDAY MLB FREE PICK: GIANTS -1.5
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