Madison Bumgarner is in denial about his woes vs. the Dodgers

Why can’t Madison Bumgarner beat the Dodgers?

That’s a question many in San Francisco likely are asking after Bumgarner surrendered five earned runs in five innings Tuesday in the Giants’ series-opening 9-5 loss to the Dodgers. That loss dropped San Francisco two games behind Los Angeles in the NL West -- its biggest deficit since April 25 -- and also dropped it to a major league-worst 11-24 since the All-Star break.

And it extended MadBum’s woes against his biggest rivals.

In three starts against the Dodgers this season, the Giants’ ace is 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA and has allowed 23 hits in 16 innings. Dating back to last September, Bumgarner is 0-4 in his past five starts against LA, allowing seven homers and 36 hits in 28 2/3 innings.

Still, he doesn’t seem to see a trend developing after Tuesday’s poor outing. The team’s website reports Bumgarner downplayed his issues against the Dodgers and offered this retort:  "It doesn't make a difference what team it is. You don't want that to happen."

Manager Bruce Bochy also was careful not to jump to conclusions, per the San Francisco Chronicle:

Bumgarner should get this chance at redemption, as the Giants and Dodgers play six times between Sept. 19 and the end of the regular season.