Royals Outlast Giants, Take 2-1 World Series Lead

25 Oct, 2014

The Kansas City Royals followed their formula for success to perfection turning a tight game over to their “monstrous” bullpen to beat the San Francisco Giants on Friday and seize the upper hand in the World Series.

After each team claimed a lopsided win in the first two games of the best-of-seven, Game Three was a 3-2 nailbiter that gave the visitors a 2-1 lead in the series.

The pivotal victory was preserved by four hitless innings thrown by Royals relievers.

“Monstrous,” Royals manager Ned Yost said in describing the firepower he is able to call on in the late innings.

“The key factor in all of this for us is timely hitting, great defense, really solid starting pitching, but dynamic back of the bullpen.”

Kansas City starter Jeremy Guthrie pitched five shutout innings before wobbling in the sixth and turning the game over to the bullpen brigade.

Unbeaten through the post-season until they lost the first game of the World Series at home on Tuesday, the upstart Royals have produced back-to-back wins and could take command of the series in Saturday’s Game Four in San Francisco.

Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain and Hosmer each drove in a run for the Royals, in the playoffs for the first time in 29 years, while closer Greg Holland wrapped up the win in the ninth for his seventh save of the postseason.

“We’re just trying to get leads and hand off to our bullpen,” said Hosmer, whose single to center in a battling, 11-pitch at-bat against lefty reliever Javier Lopez gave Kansas City their third run.

“This is a huge win for us and hats off to the bullpen for holding it down for us.”

Reuters

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