Related: World Series 2014 Game 2 Live Stream Free: Watch Online Giants vs. Royals, Radio Stations [FOX TV]
After beating the St. Louis Cardinals in an epic NLCS run, San Francisco Giants will now head to Kansas City to begin their contests against the Royals for the 2014 MLB World Series championship. The best-of-seven series will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 5:07 p.m. PT, and fans can watch the game on FOX television network. As for those who want to watch online, the Giants vs. Royals live stream can be accessed below - free for subscribers. Pregame coverage will begin at 4:30 p.m. PT on FOX.
In Game 1, the Giants will start left-hand pitcher Madison Bumgarner, who won the NLCS MVP Award. He hasn't allowed a postseason runaway from home in an MLB-record of 26 2/3 innings, a feat that dates back to 2010.
The Royals will start James Shields in Game 1 for the third time this postseason, after starting the Wild Card win over the Angels and the ALCS title over the Orioles. He racked up a 5.63 ERA over the three outings.
The Giants have announced the starting pitchers up to Game 4 in the following order: Bumgarner, Jake Peavy (RHP), Tim Hudson, and Ryan Vogelsong. On the other hand, Orioles have only announced up to Game 2 - Shields and Yordano Venture (RHP).
Radio Stations
San Francisco Giants - KNBR 680, ESPN Radio, KTRB 860
Kansas City Royals - KCSP 610, Royals Radio Network, ESPN Radio
World Series Schedule (Dates, Start Time)
Game 1 - Tuesday, Oct. 21 @ 8 p.m. ET at Kansas City Kauffman Stadium
Game 2 - Wednesday, Oct. 22 @ 8 p.m. ET at Kansas City Kauffman Stadium
Game 3 - Friday, Oct. 24 @ 8 p.m. ET at San Francisco AT&T Park
Game 4 - Saturday, Oct. 25 @ 8 p.m. ET at San Francisco AT&T Park
Game 5* - Sunday, Oct. 26 @ 8 p.m. ET at San Francisco AT&T Park
Game 6* - Tuesday, Oct. 28 @ 8 p.m. ET at Kansas City Kauffman Stadium
Game 7* - Wednesday, Oct. 29 @ 8 p.m. ET at Kansas City Kauffman Stadium.
*only if necessary
Live Stream: MLB.tv (requires subscription)
Fox Sports GO allows users to watch game broadcasts on their computer or mobile device: Click here to download app or sign in using cable subscription).
Preview
For both teams to enter the World Series is nothing short of miracles as both teams won less than 90 games during the regular season and needed to win a winner-take-all wild card game.
The Giants finished the regular season with 88-74 (second in NL West). In the postseason, they defeated the Pirates 8-0 in the National League wild card game and continued their winning streak over the Washington Nationals 3-1 in NLDS and St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 in NLCS.
Lefty Jeremy Affeldt pitched two scoreless innings in relief of Jake Peavy in Game 2, then came in with the bases loaded and two out in the ninth inning of a tie game in Game 5. He got the out and became the winning pitcher when Travis Ishikawa launched his historic home run in the bottom of the ninth.
Ishikawa's spectacular home-run concluded the barrage of homers that not only sent the team to the World Series, but brought the entire stadium to their feet. Having had only three bats, his homer is only part of the story that is waiting to unfold in the World Series.
Royals' World Series is the first since 1985. Finishing second to the postseason in the AL Central, they have became the first team in MLB history to win eight straight games to begin a postseason, defeating Oakland Athletics in wild card game (9-8), Los Angeles Angels (3-0), and Baltimore Orioles (4-0).
The Giants vs. Royals matchup pits the experienced SF - champions in 2010 and 2012 - against Kansas City that is on a historic run.
Going into World Series game 1, the Royals will look to continue their league's best base-running swipes, 153 during the regular season, against the Giants' 25th defense against base-stealers. However, the Giants will look to limit Royals' runs with their bull-pen, including ace Bumgarner, Peavy, Vogelsong, Affeldt, under the guidance of catcher Buster Posey, Giant's best player. Meanwhile, manager Bruce Bochy will look to put his and his players World Series experiences to work, attempting to clinch their teams' third title in five seasons.
The World Series is expected to be a thrill ride for avid baseball fans. Which team do you think will win? Let us know your take by leaving comments below.
