It didn’t take long for game one of the World Series to quickly transform into the Madison Bumgarner show on Tuesday night. The Giants left-hander continued his torrid postseason stretch by tossing seven innings of one run baseball, allowing just three hits and a walk along the way. The 24-year old has now amassed 38.2 frames this postseason, and has held opponents to a .162 batting average. In support of Bumgarner, the Giants offense erupted against Royals starter James Shield. After the Giants put runners on first and second with just one out in the first inning, Pablo Sandoval opened the scoring with a run scoring double. Gregor Blanco came across to score, but Buster Posey was cut down at the plate by Kansas City right fielder Nori Aoki. With a runner still on, Hunter Pence followed Sandoval’s double with a 2-run home run. Two innings later, San Francisco tacked on two more runs to their total on the strength of a Michael Morse single, and a Gregor Blanco bases loaded walk. When all was said and done, the Giants took game one of the series by a final of 7-1. However, Kansas City won’t have to stew on the for too long, as game two of the series is set to take place on Wednesday evening.
- While the Giants and Royals have never met each other in the World Series prior to this season, both clubs have made memorable trips to the fall classic before. Twenty-nine years ago, the Royals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, five years after losing the championship series against the Phillies. The Giants on the other hand have enjoyed a ton of success recently, winning in 2012 and 2010. (Giants, Royals World Series history)
- Despite early offseason conjecture about the Red Sox potentially dealing Yoenis Cespedes, Boston manager John Farrell believes the team is fully prepared to retain the 29-year old slugger. Acquired from the Athletics in exchange for Jon Lester, Cespedes fit right in with the Red Sox in his early time in Boston. While he’s not the “grind it out” type of hitter that the Red Sox have been known for, Cespedes’ work ethic and talent fit well into Boston’s immediate plans. (John Farrell: Red Sox “looking forward to [Yoenis Cespedes] being part of our offense going forward)
- On his first day as a credentialed media member, David Ortiz made his presence felt as only Big Papi could do. After palling around with fellow slugger Frank Thomas, Ortiz interrupted former teammate Jake Peavy’s pregame press conference to catch up with the Giants right-hander. (David Ortiz gives Jake Peavy big hug, interrupts press conference)
- Seemingly lost in the outfield mix for the Red Sox next season is Allen Craig. Acquired at the trade deadline in exchange for John Lackey, Craig was in the midst of a miserable season marred with injuries. Prior to 2014, the 30-year old had been one a consistent middle of the order threat for the Cardinals. On top of deciding where Craig fits in Boston’s plans, the team will need to find out whether the outfielder deserves a mulligan for his dreadful 2014 season. (What’s in store for Allen Craig?)
- For the past three seasons, Junichi Tazawa has been one of the Red Sox best relievers. In 175 innings, the right-hander has posted an ERA of 2.61, and has averaged a 9.3 strike out per nine for 3 straight seasons. After searching to find his niche in the pen, Tazawa found success as the teams set-up man. So naturally, the 28-year old wouldn’t mind starting or closing. (Junichi Tazawa wants to start for the Red Sox)
- Tweet of the day: Papi’s “a media”
David Ortiz enters field, announcing, with a smile, "I'm a media!"
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 21, 2014