Bumgarner's near no-hitter doesn't surprise Giants

SAN FRANCISCO -- Madison Bumgarner's one-hitter Tuesday night was another in a series of efforts when he appeared to be on course for throwing a no-hitter. The Giants firmly believe that he'll someday accomplish the feat.

Bumgarner maintained a perfect game against Colorado for seven innings Tuesday before Justin Morneau doubled leading off the eighth inning. Two years ago, Bumgarner no-hit Colorado for 5 1/3 innings on April 12, then finished with a one-hitter against Cincinnati on June 28 after fashioning five no-hit innings.

In 4 1/2 big league seasons, Bumgarner has made 26 starts in which he pitched at least seven innings and allowed four hits or fewer.

Right-hander Ryan Vogelsong has long regarded a Bumgarner no-hitter as imminent.

"It's not just this year. I've thought that in the past," Vogelsong said Wednesday. "He definitely has everything it takes to do it, not just stuff."

Pointing out that Bumgarner struck out the next four Rockies batters following Morneau's hit, Vogelsong added, "He has the mentality. You saw that last night. After he gave up that hit, he very easily could have lost his focus. He didn't even come close to that."

Said manager Bruce Bochy, referring to Bumgarner, "Any time you have a pitcher with his stuff, command and demeanor, you think he has a good chance to do it."