San Francisco Giants’ Five Best Defensive Plays of 2015

Madison Bumgarner’s Spin-o-rama

Aug 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Talk about style points…

This is one of those plays that you have to watch two or three times over to make sense of what you’re seeing. Not only did Madison Bumgarner pitch six two-hit innings while striking out twelve, he also helped his own cause with this acrobatic masterpiece of a play from August 27th.

At 6’5” Bumgarner would not normally be considered a player with extreme grace, but he showcased exactly that in this unique play. Brandon Belt couldn’t even look at the remainder of the play out of disgust for his offline throw, but Bumgarner was able to take it to the bag with a pirouette that would make any ballet dancer proud.

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Bumgarner has come to thrive in all aspects of the game, from his Cy Young-caliber pitching to his Silver Slugger Award-winning offense, and this defensive gem simply adds another component to his repertoire. This game ended up securing the series win against the Cubs, which was of special importance because the Giants had been swept in Chicago in four games earlier on in the season.

It was also Bumgarner’s 16th win of the season, which put him in prime position for a 20-win season at the time. And though he would not be able to make it to that mark, the game was still an important part of a truly special season for the Giants’ ace.

He will most certainly receive Cy Young award nominations in the offseason, and is yet again the leading candidate for a Silver Slugger, and will begin 2016 with another legitimate chance at that illusive 20-win year.

Next: Angel Pagan Robs Matt Kemp