San Francisco Giants

It’s not unreasonable that late in 2014, when you ask someone what they think of when they hear “San Francisco Giants”, that they respond with something along the lines of “winning” or “champions” or “3 in 5.” The Giants have won 3 of the last 5 World Series. Talented, skilled, hungry and determined are just a few words that could sum up the attitude and performance of this ball club.

Most recently, the Giants defeated the Kansas City Royals in 7 games to claim their 3rd World Series title in the past half-decade. Pitcher Madison Bumgarner delivered a stellar performance, leading him to be named the series MVP, allowing just 1 run to be delivered in his 21 innings of play throughout the series.

In 2012, the Giants swept the Detroit Tigers in 4 games. The Giants had home field advantage and began the series in San Francisco, then were able to wrap things up less than a week later at Comerica Park. The Giants started the series off strong, winning game 1 8-3. The victories continued with scores of: 2-0, 2-0 and 4-3 in each of the following games.

In 2010, the Giants defeated the Texas Rangers in 5 games. This was the Rangers’ 1st World Series appearance in the team’s 50 year history. Pitcher Tim Lincecum was instrumental in the Giants’ victory, which was their 1st series victory since 1954, when the team defeated the Cleveland Indians.

San Francisco celebrated its most recent victory with a downtown parade and will now focus on roster changes and free agency. Most notably, third baseman Pablo Sandoval’s status of return as a Giant will have the greatest impact on how the team shapes its roster for 2014-2015. It was reported that Sandoval previously rejected a 3-year, $40 million dollar deal from the Giants and is seeking at least a 6-year deal.

General manager Bruce Bochy’s leadership and expertise are considered to be among the factors which have led the Giants to their recent successes. Bochy was named a finalist for National League Manager of the Year. He has previously won the award in 1996 when he was with the San Diego Padres.

World Series

The hunt for October has come and gone. The World Series is in full swing and currently tied, with the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants tied at 2-2.

In the initial series faceoff, the Giants defeated the Royals 7-1 in Kansas City. The Giants had 11 hits, 7 of which were runs and the Royals’ only run occurred in the 6th inning. The Giants held a 3-run lead before the 1st inning was over. This was the Giants’ 16th win in their past 18 post season games.

Game 2 was a different story, as the Royals defeated the Giants 7-2. Each team scored a run in the 1st inning but Kansas City went on to dominate, scoring 1 in the 2nd and 5 more in the 6th inning. The Giants’ only other run came in the 4th inning. Giants pitcher Hunter Strickland struggled and after the game acknowledged he let his emotions get the best of him.

Kansas City managed to win Game 3 although it was closer than the previous 2 games with a final score of 3-2. The Royals scored 1 run in the 1st inning and 2 in the 6th.  The Giants scored both of their runs in the 6th inning as well. Royals shortstop Eric Hosmer’s 6th inning RBI proved to be the deal sealer for the team’s Game 3 victory, giving the Royals a 2-1 lead in the series.

In Game 4, the Giants came back to crush Kansas City, 11-4. Six different Giants had RBIs in this game. Giants outfielder Hunter Pence had 3 RBIs, while second baseman Joe Panik and third baseman Pablo Sandoval each had 2. San Francisco was able to come back, obtaining a 7-4 lead, which they were then able to extend to 11-4, to win the game. Giants relief pitcher Yusmeiro Petit threw 3 shutout innings following starter Ryan Vogelsong.

Game 5 will take place Sunday night at 8:00pm EST in Kansas City. The teams’ pitchers will be the same as in Game 1, James Shields starting for the Royals and Madison Bumgarner for the Giants. Whichever team is victorious will have an advantage for Game 6, heading in with a 3-2 lead.