Quick Recap
The San Francisco Giants took a 3-2 World Series lead with their 5-0 win Sunday night at AT&T. Madison Bumgarner lowered his World Series ERA to 0.29, allowing only one run in 31 career innings. Bumgarner has been outstanding this postseason, and the Royals couldn’t get anything going against the Giants ace, as they were shutout in Game 5.
Starting Pitchers
Yordano Ventura (Royals): 14-10, 3.20 ERA, 159 Strikeouts
Ventura will be called upon for Game 6 in a Game 2 rematch. He has pitched well this postseason, but got a no decision in Game 2. Ventura has a 4.42 postseason ERA, and the Royals need a dominating performance by him to tie this series at three and force a Game 7. He was able to hold off the Giants hitters during his last start in KC, and manager Ned Yost is hoping for another performance like that tonight.
Jake Peavy (Giants): 7-13, 3.73 ERA, 158 Strikeouts
In Peavy’s first start in Game 2, he gave up four earned runs in five innings as the Royals went on to win 7-2. This year, Peavy has a 3.68 ERA this postseason, but the Royals hitters were able to get to him early in Game 2. The Giants will look to Peavy for a strong start to secure another World Series victory.
Impact Hitters
Alcides Escobar (Royals): .285 Average, 3 Homeruns, 50 RBI, .317 OBP
As the leadoff hitter, the pressure is on Escobar to get on base and start a rally. He’s hitting .281 this postseason with one homerun and four RBI. Escobar is also a threat to steal, as he had 31 stolen bases throughout the season, and one so far this postseason. The Royals need this win to force a Game 7, and Escobar has the ability to give KC some extra momentum and start a rally to give them the lead.
Billy Butler (Royals): .271 Average, 9 Homeruns, 66 RBI, .323 OBP
Butler hasn’t seen much playing time the last three games with them all being played in a National League park, but he made an impact the first two games in KC. Overall this postseason, Butler is batting .265 with seven RBI. The Royals will be in front of their home crowd, which means Butler can DH. They will need him to come through with runners on, in this pivotal Game 6.
Hunter Pence (Giants): .277 Average, 20 Homers, 74 RBI, .332 OBP
Pence is such an important part of the Giants lineup. He has delivered the big hit time and time again, breaking the game wide-open, while also making game-changing plays in the field. The Giants have an opportunity to win the World Series in six, and need contributions from everyone, but especially Pence.
Pablo Sandoval (Giants): .279 Average, 16 Homers, 73 RBI, .324 OBP
Like Pence, Sandoval has been great this postseason. He’s hitting .338 with five RBI this October, while coming up in clutch situations. He’s also had a few not-so-great moments with 11 strikeouts this postseason, but has made up for it when it really mattered.
Pitching Advantage: The Royals seem to have the advantage when it comes to the pitching matchup. Ventura has pitched great and was able to keep the Giants hitters guessing in Game 2, while Peavy struggled.
Hitting Advantage: With the Giants able to hold off the Royals bats the last couple of games, and take away their momentum, SF has the hitting advantage. Their hitters have been able to work the count and get solid hits when needed. They are one win away from a World Series title, and there is more pressure on the Royals at this point.
The Royals will win because they return home to their KC fans looking to take these next two games and win a World Series Championship. Ventura will be lights out, and KC will take an early lead, letting their bullpen close it out and force a Game 7.
The Giants will win because they have a ton of momentum right now. Peavy will show up and pitch a dominant game, keeping the Royals bats cold, while the Giants hitters will be able to get to Ventura.
Final Prediction
Royals 5
Giants 3