AP: Bumgarner, Giants beat KC 3-2 in Series Game 7
The San Francisco Giant’s Madison Bumgarner pitches in the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals in Game 7 of the World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/MCT)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Madison Bumgarner pitched five innings of near-perfect relief and the San Francisco Giants held off the Kansas City Royals 3-2 Wednesday night in Game 7 of the World Series for their third championship in five seasons.
With both starters chased early, this became a matchup of bullpens. And no one stood taller than the 6-foot-5 Bumgarner, who added to his postseason legacy with a third victory this Series.
After Gregor Blanco misplayed Alex Gordon’s drive for a single and two-base error, Bumgarner got Salvador Perez to pop foul to third baseman Pablo Sandoval for the final out.
The Giants ended a Series streak that had seen home teams win the last nine Game 7s. San Francisco took this pairing of wild-card teams after earning titles in 2012 and 2010.
Pitching on two days’ rest after his shutout in Game 5, Bumgarner entered in the fifth with a 3-2 lead. After giving up a leadoff single to Omar Infante, he shut down the Royals.