October 21, 2014

Playoffs Today

After four days with no games, the World Series gets underway in Kansas City Tuesday night. Madison Bumgarner takes the hill for the Giants against James Shields. Bumgarner pitched impressively in the post-season so far. In four starts he accumulated 31 2/3 innings, allowed just 19 hits and five walks while striking out 28. His ERA stands at 1.42. He did pitch at Kauffman Stadium for the first time in his career this season. Bumgarner took the loss after giving up four runs in eight innings, three earned. He walked none and struck out five. That’s pitching against the Royals; few strikeouts and fewer walks.

Shields did not face Bumgarner that day, but did take on the Giants in the following game. He spun a four-hit shutout, allowing one walk while striking out five. It’s the only time in his career that Shields faced the Giants.

Big Game James (or Big Stone James) has been less than big in the playoffs so far. He is 1-0, and Kansas City undefeated, despite his 5.63 ERA. He allowed 21 hits in 16 innings despite 15 strikeouts. Maybe with the Kidney Stone gone, he’ll be back to himself.

Enjoy!

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