With the “MVP” chants being heard loud and proud throughout AT&T Park, Madison Bumgarner cemented his place into World Series greatness. In his 4 World Series appearances, one in 2010, another in 2012, and now two more in 2014, “Big Country” is 4-0 with an ERA of 0.29. No other pitcher with a minimum of 25 innings pitched in the history of World Series has an ERA lower than that of Bumgarner.
The Giants began their scoring at the bottom of the 2nd after Hunter Pence led off the inning with a single. Brandon Belt would go on to put down a bunt and beat the throw to first for the hit. Eventually, Pence scored on a Brandon Crawford groundout for the only run in the inning. The Giants would tack on one more in the 4th as Crawford’s single brought in Pablo Sandoval for the 2-0 lead. At this point, Royals’ starter James Shields was having a decent game and kept it close.
It wasn’t until the 8th inning when the Giants put the game out of reach. The previously-dominant relief staff of the Royals were shown no mercy by the opposing offense, getting rung up for 2 singles, a 2-run double, a deep hit into center, and a 1-run single from Crawford. With the damage done, it was 5-0 and there was little to no hope for the Royals. Bumgarner came in and finished off the job for the complete game shutout.
Now, the series shifts to Kansas City for Game 6 and (if necessary) Game 7 if necessary with the Giants holding onto the 3-2 series lead. Game 6 will be played on Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium and will feature Yordano Ventura for the Royals and Jake Peavy for the Giants.
Photo Credit: Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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