Bumgarner dominates in Defenders' rout

Madison Bumgarner didn't need a lot of run support to earn his third win in as many Double-A appearances. But that didn't stop the Connecticut Defenders from scoring.

Bumgarner, MLB.com's No. 6 prospect, allowed two hits and fanned 10 over six shutout innings Saturday as the Defenders crushed the Portland Sea Dogs, 12-1, at Hadlock Field.

Staked to a 1-0 lead, the 19-year-old left-hander struck out the side in the first inning and fanned the first two batters in the second.

"That always feels good. It's a great way to start a game and build your confidence," Bumgarner said. "You can always relax a little after that."

Portland's Juan Apodaca ended the strikeout streak by lining a single to left field, but Bumgarner promptly picked him off to end the inning.

"He didn't have an especially big lead," said Bumgarner. "I just decided to throw over there one time and see what happened."

Bumgarner gave up a double to Ryan Kalish to start the third but did not allow another Sea Dog to reach until Apodaca walked in the fifth. Although Apodaca took a normal lead, Bumgarner said he seemed more alert this time.

"I didn't throw over again. He was definitely ready for it, then."

After putting up a run in each of the first three innings, the Defenders stayed quiet until scoring five times in the sixth as Brock Bond delivered a two-run double and a David Maroul followed with a two-run homer.

"It's much easier to pitch with a lead. The team scored some runs for me and it just helped me relax," Bumgarner said.

The 10th overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, Bumgarner was promoted from Class A Advanced San Jose on May 7 along with fellow starter Tim Alderson and shortstop Brandon Crawford.

The North Carolina native has allowed one run on 10 hits and four walks while striking out 21 over 18 innings in the Eastern League.

"It's the same game. I still pitch the same," he said. "I just go out there and give it my best."

Although Bumgarner left the game after the sixth, he said he felt like he could have thrown another inning or two, if necessary.

"I know they have me on a pretty light pitch count," he said. "I don't know what it is, but I wasn't too tired. I felt good."