Who Needs A Bullpen When You Have Madison Bumgarner?

Madison Bumgarner pitched the Giants to another victory in game five against the Kansas City Royals. Bumgarner threw all 9 innings letting up 0 runs, striking out 8, and walking none. In a series so dependent on how the starting pitcher does, it can not be understated how big it was for Bumgarner to throw such a good game. In all five games the team that has the lead at the 6th inning has won the game.

Since both teams have such good bullpens it’s up to the starters to keep their team in the lead until the closers can come in. And that's exactly what Bumgarner did. Bumgarner controlled the pace of the entire game, only letting up 4 hits and pitching 77 strikes out of his 107 pitches. This series is all about the first 6 innings. Which ever starting pitcher has the better game will most likely win the game.

Of course game 5 wasn’t only about Bumgarner. The Giant’s offense has really stepped up their game. Hunter Pence and Pablo Sandoval have been on fire the past couple games, getting on base almost every time they step up to the plate. The Giants have always been a team where different players step up when the team needs it most. It will be interesting to see who the next player to come up big will be in game 6