Pitchers for both the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals will have their hands full against opposing lineups in the World Series. Hitters from each team have been very good at creating tough at-bats while playing small ball and effectively manufacturing runs.
Every starter, reliever and closer will have a crucial role in the Fall Classic; however, some pitchers will be significant components to their team's success or failure. These players will be deciding factors in the outcome of the World Series.
As we impatiently await a thrilling conclusion to the 2014 MLB season, let's take a look at a starter and reliever from each team expected to play the most pivotal roles in the quest to earn the title of world champion.
Kansas City Royals
Starter: James Shields
In each of Shields' three starts this postseason, the Royals have come away victorious; however, they weren't pretty. The right-hander notched just one win in those three appearances, giving up a total of 21 hits and 10 earned runs for a 5.63 ERA. He lasted five innings twice and six innings once in that stretch.
ESPN Stats & Info tweeted the starter's lackluster postseason stats:
That said, Kansas City will need far better performances from Shields if the team is to contend in the World Series. He will likely be the Game 1 starter for the Royals, and getting off to a hot start at home will be crucial for the continued momentum of this team.
Reliever: Wade Davis
How fantastic has Davis been to this point in the playoffs? The right-handed reliever has appeared in each of Kansas City's eight postseason games, pitching a total of 9.1 innings and allowing just one earned run along the way. Take a look at what he's done so far:
Davis appears to have ice water flowing through his veins in October. He's in complete command of his pitches, and that has translated to quick outs and a halt in momentum for opposing lineups. Here's one quick look at how devastating he's been, via MLB:
Keeping up this high level of play gives the Royals an edge against San Francisco's solid hitters.
San Francisco Giants
Starter: Madison Bumgarner
We may as well start calling Bumgarner "Mr. October." He's been the most consistent starting pitcher set to take part in this year's World Series, and he'll be a crucial part of getting the Giants off to a hot start on the road, as he should be set to take the mound in Game 1.
Through four postseason starts, Bumgarner has lasted at least seven innings and hasn't given up more than three earned runs in any contest. His solid starts help keep San Francisco in position to win and give the team's bullpen some much-needed rest.
Heading into the World Series, the southpaw has pitched 31.2 innings, giving up 19 hits and five earned runs while walking five and striking out 28 for an ERA of 1.42. Here's why the National League Championship Series MVP is so important to this team:
He could be the difference-maker in the World Series.
Reliever: Yusmeiro Petit
Considering Petit has only made two appearances this postseason, he may seem like an interesting choice to be considered San Francisco's most pivotal reliever. However, this selection comes with good reason.
The Royals lineup has been getting to relievers deep in games throughout the playoffs, resulting in plenty of late-inning heroics and comeback victories. With some of the Giants starters struggling to remain in games, Petit's multiinning services will be huge in this impending matchup.
In Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, Petit went six innings in that 18-inning marathon, allowing just one hit and zero earned runs while striking out seven and notching the win. He was back at it in Game 4 against the St. Louis Cardinals, taking over for a struggling Ryan Vogelsong and going three strong innings while allowing one hit and striking out four—earning the win once again.
This tweet from the Giants' official Twitter account sums up Petit's impressive postseason:
His ability to dominate several innings will help get the Giants back on track should any of their starters falter.
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