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Bumgarner strikes out nine over six innings

After finishing 3-7 on their last homestand and collecting a victory in their first game since leaving San Francisco, the first-place Giants are hoping some time away from AT&T Park will give them a spark.

The Giants will try to secure a series win on Saturday behind Madison Bumgarner, who is searching for his 12th win of the season. The 23-year-old hasn't won since July 13, despite striking out 26 while posting 2.70 ERA in three starts since.

In his last outing, the left-hander surrendered two earned runs over six innings and fanned nine Mets, but the Giants' bullpen squandered the lead late.

"I was behind a lot, that was probably the least amount of fastball's I've ever thrown in a game, ever," Bumgarner said. "My command was a little off."

Opposing Bumgarner for the Rockies will be fellow southpaw Jeff Francis.

The 31-year-old was issued his third loss of the season on Tuesday against St. Louis, snapping a streak of three straight Rockies wins with him on the mound. He gave up five runs on six hits over four innings.

With a win Saturday, Francis will move into sole possession of second place on the Rockies' all-time franchise wins list with 59, passing Jason Jennings. Aaron Cook collected 72 wins from 2002-11.

Francis is 7-6 with a 4.83 ERA against the Giants and has won three of his last four starts against the division rival at Coors Field.

Rockies: Chacin looking for results
Rockies right-hander Jhoulys Chacin felt good and had good velocity on Thursday in his second injury rehab start for Double-A Tulsa. Now manager Jim Tracy is hoping to see some better results.

"The health part is very important, but we'd like to see some consistency," Tracy said.

Chacin, coming back from nerve damage in his chest, went four innings and gave up five hits and four runs -- on former Major Leaguer Kevin Kouzmanoff's grand slam -- in a 6-3 loss to Northwest Arkansas.

Chacin was 0-3 with a 7.30 ERA in five starts for the Rockies before going to the disabled list and being examined repeatedly until the true nature of the problem was discovered.

"My understanding is, physically, he feels fine today, no ramifications from a health standpoint whatsoever," Tracy said. "He's got a couple more starts to go. Hopefully, we'll see him a little bit better numbers wise.

Giants: Bochy calls for offensive changes
Concerned with the state of the Giants' offense, manager Bruce Bochy led a 15-minute team meeting before Friday's batting practice in an attempt to stimulate the hitters.

During a 3-7 homestand, which included seven losses in eight games, the Giants batted only .220 and averaged 2.9 runs per game.

"We have to show some resolve here," Bochy said.

Bochy urged the Giants to "compete better" in their plate appearances -- that is, be more aggressive and sustain more intensity throughout the game.

"You have to be a little tougher," Bochy said. "When you're not getting results, you compound the problem by taking it into the next at-bat."

The chat seemed to work, as the Giants scored a season-high 16 runs in the opener.

Worth noting
• The start time for the Rockies at Giants game on Aug. 10 has been changed from 7:15 p.m. PT to 7:35 PT to accommodate pregame festivities to celebrate Matt Cain's perfect game.

• The Giants are scheduled to face three left-handed starting pitchers in this series, marking the second time this season the club has faced three lefties in one series.

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