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Giants Vs. Pirates: Struggling Pitchers Madison Bumgarner, James McDonald Square Off

After losing Tuesday night in 10 innings, the Pirates continue their series against the San Francisco Giants Wednesday night at 7:05 PM at PNC Park. 

The Giants' starter will be 21-year-old Madison Bumgarner, who was a first-round draft pick in 2007 and raced through the minor leagues as one of the best prospects in baseball. He pitched well for the Giants in 2010 but has struggled with his control so far this season, allowing 10 walks against only nine strikeouts while posting a 7.79 ERA so far. His velocity is apparently fine, so it isn't immediately clear if anything's wrong or if it's just a bad stretch.

His mound opponent, James McDonald, also is struggling after pitching very well down the stretch last year. His velocity is down, and he has struggled with his control and command. He has 12 strikeouts against 12 walks this year to go along with a 10.13 ERA. 

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.