Madison Bumgarner was on top of his game, James Shields was not, and the San Francisco Giants cruised to an easy victory over the Royals in Game 1 of the "wild card" World Series in Kansas City.
Game 1 of the World Series is tonight with San Francisco at Kansas City. Madison Bumgarner gets the call for the Giants, who are trying to become the first National League team to win three World Series titles in a five-year span since the St. Louis Cardinals of 1942-46.
Serena Williams won her opening match at the WTA Finals on Monday, beating Ana Ivanovic 6-4, 6-4 in the Red Group for her 16th consecutive victory at the season-ending tournament.
Buster Posey drove in three runs and the San Francisco Giants took advantage of some clunky defense by St. Louis first baseman Matt Adams, beating the Cardinals 6-4 on Wednesday night to move within one victory of the World Series.
Kansas City can finish off its best-of-seven American League Championship Series with the Orioles this afternoon. The Royals took a 3-0 lead in the series yesterday with a 2-1 win. The Royals, who are looking for their first trip to the World Series in 29 years, have won seven straight postseason games this year.
After rain washed out Game 3 of the American League Championship Series in Kansas City, the Royals and Baltimore are set to try again tonight at Kauffman stadium.