Madison Bumgarner Almost Perfect In Giants 8-0 Win

San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner carried a perfect game into the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres last night en route to an 8-0 win, according to ABC7 News, San Francisco.

Bumgarner gave up a single up the middle to Padre pinch hitter Melvin Upton, Jr., in what ended up being Bumgarner’s only blemish on an otherwise stellar evening, as Bumgarner earned his fourth complete game and second shutout of the season.

Bumgarner, who tied his last season wins record to improve to 18-7, told Fox Sports that while individual accolades are nice, his primary focus is getting the W.

“I’m here to win games. That’s it. All the other stuff is really cool and I’ll take it. It would definitely be special, but winning is what I like most.”

Bumgarner’s one hitter joins a dazzling list of impressive pitching displays achieved by his fellow Giants teammates over the past few seasons. Giants rookie Chris Heston no-hit the New York Mets on June 9, while fellow pitcher Tim Lincecum threw no-hitters against San Diego each of the last two seasons. Further proving that San Francisco has seemingly had the Padres number for several seasons now, Giants left-hander Jonathan Sanchez earned a no-hitter against them in 2009. San Francisco’s only perfect game came by way of Matt Cain against the Houston Astros back in 2012.

Bumgarner appeared happier about earning his fourth complete game than nearly matching Cain’s feat.

“I like to be the guy that starts and, at the same time, I want to finish it.”

Bumgarner retired the first 23 batters he faced before coughing up the single to Upton, Jr. The Giants bats gave him plenty of support, jumping all over Padres starter Ian Kennedy early, driving home seven runs and knocking Kennedy out of the game in the fifth inning.

Bumgarner has pitched outstanding baseball this season, having thrown four of his ten career complete games, including two shutouts, this season. In addition to tying his career high win total at 18 with a chance to become a 20-game winner, Bumgarner also lowered his ERA to 2.91.

Even Upton, Jr., who spoiled Bumgarner’s perfect game, spoke in awe of his performance.

“When he’s got it going he’s tough, and we caught him on a day he had it. He didn’t make many mistakes. The stars have to be aligned for guys to pitch games like that.”

[Photo by Brian Bahr / Getty Images]