Bumgarner's road to recovery makes stop in Sacramento

West Sacramento, CA - Madison Bumgarner made his first career start at Raley Field in front of a sellout crowd Friday night as he works his way back toward the San Francisco rotation. Despite the ace's presence at Raley Field, the Sacramento River Cats (32-47) fell just short in their 8-7 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies (43-38). 

Bumgarner started Friday night expecting to throw 60 to 65 pitches for the River Cats. The left-hander threw 62 (41 for strikes) before exiting the game with two outs in the fourth inning. For Bumgarner, the pitch count represented a 15 pitch increase from his last outing - three no-hit innings in Arizona with the Giants Rookie League team.
The River Cats offense backed up Bumgarner by taking a 5-4 lead into the fifth inning but were unable to keep pace with the Grizzlies from there. Orlando Calixte collected three of Sacramento's 14 hits, one of which was a leadoff home run in the first inning. Carlos Moncrief knocked in a pair for his second multi-RBI game with the club but struck out swinging to end the game.
Sacramento will send right-hander Tyler Beede (4-5, 5.11) to the hill tomorrow night for game two and Fresno will counter with righty Dean Deetz (0-2, 13.00). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live on the air on ESPN 1320 and online at rivercats.com.  
Postgame Notes
Bumgarner quotes: "I've felt really good throughout this whole process and I definitely feel good about where I am at. I don't feel very far." - on how he feels following his start
"I appreciate everyone's support. I'm working hard to get back. We're going as fast as we can go safely without pushing it too much or taking too much of a chance. But we're definitely moving quick to get back out there." - on what he wants to say to the fans
Rehab Report: Tonight was Madison Bumgarner's first career rehab assignment and his first Triple-A start since 2010 with Fresno…he allowed four total runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out another…his fastball clocked in between 88 and 92 MPH…his battery mate tonight, catcher Tim Federowicz, last caught Bumgarner on April 13 with the Giants.   
Calixte: Third baseman Orlando Calixte played in his team leading 59^th game tonight…now tied with Mac Williamson with 32 RBI…also tied with Williamson for the team lead in home runs with nine.
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The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2017 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.