As we expected, the Giants put away the Cardinals. St. Louis led 3-2 going into the bottom of the 8th, but their bullpen let them down one more time and that was that. In many ways, it was an exciting game -- there was a pinch-hit home run, a walk-off three-run homer, and other moments of high drama -- but on the other hand, I never had any doubt that San Francisco would win the game, and I don't think anyone else did either.
If the Giants can win the World Series, they will be the first National League team since the 1940's to win three World Championships in five years.
So far, the Giants and Royals have combined to go 14-2 in the playoffs this year. More than that, they have won their games in the same way -- by giving up almost no runs after the 6th inning, and grinding down the pitchers from the other side until they crack. Sometimes it takes 18 innings, as it did in San Francisco's Game Two win over Washington in the NLDS. Sometimes it takes 11 innings, as it did when Kansas City won the first two games of the ALDS with the Angels. But the result is pretty much always the same -- lots of zeroes followed by a San Francisco or Kansas City victory.
It's now possible, of course, that these two teams will put on a real show in the World Series. But I'm very skeptical -- this just doesn't seem to be baseball's year for drama.
I am for the Royals.
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