2014 MLB World Series Schedule & Predictions: Kansas City Royals vs. San Francisco Giants
In a big-time postseason showdown for baseball's biggest prize. The Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants are set to play each other in the 2014 World Series starting Tuesday.
These final two teams remaining will play each other in a best-of-seven series to determine who is best team in all of MLB baseball.
Amazingly, both of these teams are wild cards. The last time (and only time) we saw an all-Wild Card World Series was in 2002, when the Giants and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim faced off.
Latin Post previews this exciting matchup and predicts who will win:
Kansas City Royals
The Royals have been the best story in baseball this year. Despite finishing second place in the American League Central behind the Detroit Tigers, the Royals have become an unbeatable force. In the American League Wild Card game, the Royals defeated the Oakland Athletics even though they trailed by four runs late in the game.
Somehow, someway the Royals dominated the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the American League Division Series. The Angels had the best record in all of baseball at 98-64, but could not get a single victory against the Royals. In that series, Eric Hosmer had four hits. Thanks to Lorenzo Cain, the Royals dominated the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Championship Series, again sweeping their opponent.
The Royals became the first-ever team to begin a postseason a perfect 8-0.
Venezuelan shortstop Alcides Escobar has been fantastic. During this postseason, Alcides has 10 hits and 15 total bases.
During the regular season, the Royals ranked last in home runs hit, but first in stolen bases. The stolen bases have continued, but the Royals are beginning to hit the long ball now, as well. During this postseason, the Royals have scored 42 runs, while the Giants have scored 41.
James Shields will start Game 1 on the mound for the Royals. Shields has one victory in every playoff series so far.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants are favored by most fans and baseball experts to win this World Series. This Giants squad is making their third World Series appearance in the last five seasons. Manager Bruce Bochy has proven to be one of the best managers in the game today.
After placing second in the National League West behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Giants have lost just two games this postseason. They're not undefeated like the Royals, but they have a lot more experience.
The Giants defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in the National League Wild Card game, 8-0. Continuing their great play, the Giants then dominated the Washington Nationals in just four games to advance to the American League Championship Series. Last year's AL Champion St. Louis Cardinals were there to face the Giants. Most people thought this series would go six or seven games, but the Giants won in just five.
The Giants have hit just five home runs all postseason, but their offense just keeps scoring. Former World Series MVP Pablo Sandovol has a team-leading 14 hits and four doubles this postseason.
Madison Bumgarner has inserted himself into the "elite pitcher" category. In his 31.2 innings pitched this postseason, Bumgarner has allowed five runs. In two of his four starts this postseason, he didn't allow a single run.
Bumgarner will be starting Game 1 for the Giants.
Schedule, Where to Watch
Game 1 of the 2014 World Series is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 8:07 p.m. EST on FOX. The first two games will be played at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Games 3 and 4 will be played at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. Live stream can be seen on MLB.tv (subscription required).
Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 22. 8:07 p.m. EST
Game 3: Friday, Oct. 24. 8:07 p.m. EST
Game 4: Saturday, Oct. 25. 8:07 p.m. EST
Predictions
What a great series this should be.
These two teams have a combined 16-2 record this postseason. Before this season, the Royals hadn't even made the playoffs since 1985, while the Giants are trying to win the their third championship in five years. The Royals just seem to be on a magic carpet ride with timely hitting and great defense. Home field advantage will help as well in this series.
Royals win World Series in seven games.
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