San Francisco

Madison Bumgarner Pinch-hits Vs. Clayton Kershaw in Possible Giants Farewell

SAN FRANCISCO -- Madison Bumgarner got a chance to say goodbye, just in case. 

In a moment that couldn't have worked out any better, the Giants ace served as a pinch hitter against Clayton Kershaw in the sixth inning of Bruce Bochy's final game. He got an extended standing ovation from a sellout crowd and tipped his cap a couple of times before lining out on a 3-2 count. 

The Dodgers brought Kershaw out of the bullpen to get some tuneup work in before the postseason and Bumgarner immediately pulled a batting glove on and started taking swings in the corner of the dugout. When Kershaw got two quick outs, Bumgarner hit for shortstop Brandon Crawford. 

Dodgers rookie catcher Will Smith went out for a mound visit, allowing Bumgarner to soak in a raucous ovation. He took a mighty swing at the first pitch from Kershaw, one of his closest friends in the game, and then laughed when Kershaw threw a fastball inside. 

Bumgarner got a standing ovation as he walked off the field, possibly for the last time as a Giant. Kershaw tipped his cap to Bochy, who tipped his cap back. 

[RELATED: Lincecum attends Bochy's final game as Giants manager]

Bumgarner was originally supposed to start this game, but he met with Bochy earlier this week and the two decided there was another way to handle Game 162. Bochy was coy about his plans in recent days, but did say Saturday that Bumgarner would have his spikes on and be ready. 

After 10 years with San Francisco, Bumgarner will be a free agent this offseason. Time will tell whether this was his last appearance in Orange and Black.

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