Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City

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Madison Bumgarner will be getting the start in Game 1 of the World Series when he and the San Francisco Giants visit James Shields and the Kansas City Royals. The Royals swept the Giants in their three-game series during the regular season.

Madison Bumgarner has made four starts in these playoffs and is 2-1 with a 1.42 ERA. His last outing was in Game 5 of the NLCS against the San Francisco Giants where he took the no decision after giving up just three runs in eight innings of work. He struck out five batters in that game and walked two.

Bumgarner faced the Royals earlier this season and took the loss after giving up four runs (three earned) in eight innings. Designated hitter Billy Butler has only faced the left-hander three times in his career, but he has shown that he can hit him by going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI.

Through three starts this postseason, James Shields is 1-0, but he also has a very high 5.63 ERA. In Game 1 of the ALCS, he gave up four earned runs in five innings of work against the Baltimore Orioles and ended up with a no decision.

Shields pitched a four-hit shutout in his only start against the Giants during the regular season. Outfielder Gregor Blanco has four hits in seven career at-bats versus Shields with a triple and three RBI.

San Francisco Giants Betting Trends

San Francisco Giants are 81-81-10 against the Over/Under

Run Differential for San Francisco Giants is 0.4

Kansas City Royals Betting Trends

Kansas City Royals are 77-85-8 against the Over/Under

Run differential for Kansas City Royals is 0.3

Injuries to Watch

San Francisco Giants

09/20/14 CF Angel Pagan Back out for season
08/05/14 P Matt Cain Elbow 15-day DL (7/11), out for season
07/26/14 C Hector Sanchez Concussion 60-day DL (8/10)
07/26/14 2B Marco Scutaro Back 60-day DL (7/25)

Kansas City Royals

10/12/14 P Yordano Ventura Shoulder is upgraded to expected to start Wednesday vs. San Francisco Giants
08/14/14 P Scott Downs Neck 15-day DL (8/3)
03/30/14 P Luke Hochevar Elbow 60-day DL (3/21)

Tony's Pick: Take Kansas City

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