D-backs’ Madison Bumgarner lasts just 2 innings in loss to Padres
Aug 9, 2020, 2:30 PM | Updated: 4:49 pm
Arizona Diamondbacks Madison Bumgarner gave up back to back home runs to San Diego Padres Manny Machado, left, and Fernando Tatis Jr., in the second inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020, in San Diego. This was Machado's second solo home run of the game. (AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)
(AP Photo/Derrick Tuskan)
Madison Bumgarner’s struggles as a Diamondback continue.
The pitcher turned in his worst performance of 2020 in Arizona’s 9-5 loss on Sunday.
Lasting just two innings, The D-backs’ ace allowed six earned runs on five hits, four of which were home runs. He struck out two and walked one on 49 pitches (29 strikes).
Bumgarner’s decreased velocity was on display for yet another outing.
Madison Bumgarner averaged 87.1 mph on his four-seam fastball today, the lowest avg four-seamer velocity in a game in his career.
His 4 starts this year have been each of his 4 lowest avg 4-seamer velos
Those dots all the way down to the right? His 3 starts in 2020 before today pic.twitter.com/WNAX7k0O6M
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 9, 2020
Bumgarner was on the ropes from the start, allowing first-inning bombs to both Manny Machado and Wil Myers.
Fernando Tatis Jr. added to the pitcher’s woes in the second inning with a 418-foot homer before Machado deposited his second of the day in to the stands on the back-to-back effort.
Bumgarner entered play Sunday sporting an 0-2 record in his previous three starts. In 15.1 innings pitched, he allowed 15 hits and 13 runs (12 earned), while striking out 11 and walking six.
Replacing Bumgarner was Taylor Widener. The reliever ran into trouble as well, giving up two home runs in the third inning.
The Padres’ bats eventually cooled off, with the combination of Widener, Stefan Crichton and catcher-turned-pitcher for a day Carson Kelly holding San Diego scoreless in the final six frames.
The D-backs’ offense showed some signs of life thanks a solo home run from Kole Calhoun in the seventh inning and two home runs courtesy of shortstop Nick Ahmed and second baseman Andy Young, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.
BASE HITS
– Prospect Daulton Varsho recorded his first hit of his career, a double in the ninth inning.
