By Jeremy Harness

While the night before was good all the way around, Thursday was more of a mixed bag.

While they were more than thankful for the opportunity to finish the game from Tuesday that was halted by rain, to go along with a grounds-crew gaffe, the Giants could not make it all the way back in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

That game was finished off late Thursday afternoon, and they had only had about 40 minutes to bounce back for the rubber match. That did not turn out to be a problem at all.

Madison Bumgarner took the ball Thursday night and, even though he had to endure a three-run first inning from the Cubs, held on and did not allow a single run for the next six innings that he was on the mound.

In all, he gave up seven hits in seven innings while striking out 12 hitters. Meanwhile, his offense got hot around him and gave him plenty of run support, making it much easier to digest that rough initial frame.

In particular was catcher Buster Posey, who went 4-for-4 and smacked his 14th homer of the season to pace the Giants’ offense and allowed the team to take the three-game series from the Cubs.

It came at a great time, too. The Dodgers did not give up any ground in the National League West, as they rallied part the San Diego Padres to keep their division lead to three games.

Injury-wise, though, the Giants are struggling to stay afloat, and the news got worse on Thursday. According to reports, infielder Ehire Adrianza’s recovery from a strained groin has been very slow, and it is expected to sideline him until the end of September and is likely out for the season.

Meanwhile, catch Hector Sanchez suffered his second concussion of the season in a minor-league game, and there is no timeline on when he is expected to return.

However, there is a little more optimism concerning first baseman Brandon Belt and his return from a concussion, as he is reportedly expected to return in time for the stretch run.