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It hadn’t been a good start to the season for Madison Bumgarner. All Bumgarner stats 2021 made for ugly reading.
That was until the Arizona Diamondbacks southpaw took the mound on Sunday. Following a gem from Zac Gallen, Bumgarner somehow outdid his less experienced teammate. The Braves were held hitless through seven innings. Bumgarner threw a complete game with no hits or walks, yet MLB claims this is not an official no-hitter.
Bumgarner stats 2021: Bouncing back with no-hit gem
The former Giant was typically spiky in his post-game interview. He thanked the shadows and Rob Manfred. Bumgarner’s stats in 2021 before this were brutal. He had pitched 18.2 innings for an ERA just under nine, walking nine and striking out 20.
Dropping velocity, time out through injuries and some rough seasons had it looking like a nightmare contract for the Diamondbacks. Perhaps it still will be. On Sunday, though, Bumgarner showed he’s still got something left. He showed the pitcher who dominated in 2014 is still in there somewhere.
This isn’t the first time he’s come close to a no-no. Bumgarner often went deep into games with no hits allowed as a Giant. Maybe he’s never close to that All-Star ace he was earlier in his career, but as the Diamondbacks sit in a period of transition, special performances like Sunday mean something.
Ultimately, that’s what Bumgarner has done throughout his career. Homers off Clayton Kershaw, playoff masterpieces, no-hit bids; he is a big-moment player.
It’s cruel for this not to be an official no-hitter. MLB introduced shortened games for double-headers, and Bumgarner got every out available to him.
Regardless of the classification, Sunday was a special day for Bumgarner in a career laden with magical moments. The Diamondbacks will be hoping he can rediscover something close to his best from his days in orange and black.
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