Bochy wishes MadBum kept comments in-house

SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy at once understood the frustration that spilled from Madison Bumgarner yet preferred that the left-hander would have restrained himself somewhat.

Responding to a reporter's question, Bumgarner expressed the belief Wednesday night that the Giants have "sometimes" lost their concentration during ballgames. Bumgarner spoke after a couple of defensive mistakes -- including his own questionable throw to third base on a bunt -- helped Milwaukee score four eighth-inning runs and cruise to a 6-1 victory. Before Milwaukee rallied, Bumgarner pitched seven shutout innings.

Bochy indicated Thursday that he has raised the concentration issue more than once in meetings with players. He also tried to downplay Bumgarner's remarks as those of an intense competitor blowing off steam.

"You're talking to a pitcher who just lost a really tough game," Bochy said. "Madison probably wishes he had talked to the [players] a little bit. When you catch a guy after a tough game like that, he might say something he might regret a little bit, because he's not the type to point fingers. We're a group that likes to take care of things internally."

Bochy also excused Bumgarner to some degree.

"You're going to have guys in the heat of the moment show their frustration," Bochy said. "Madison is a very competitive guy who hates to lose. He definitely was upset with last night. You want these to have an edge to them, and he does."