<p>Perfect inning for The Beard. Giants easily take Game 4 4-0. Second time in three games that Texas has been shut out. In this game, the Rangers never put a runner past second base. Giants can clinch tomorrow with a win in Texas. If they fail there, back to San Francisco for possibly two games. </p>
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<p>I completely agreed with the decision to put in a reliever. He didn’t exactly need that additional stress on his arm (a probable 120+ pitch count is unreasonable), especially in the event that his services are needed in a Game 7 relief situation.</p>
<p>Is anyone else annoyed with the way the media have handled this series (particularly ESPN and other East Coast-based establishments)? On ESPN, after San Francisco’s triumphs in Games 1 and 2, it was entirely about how the Rangers did poorly. When the Rangers took Game 3, it was completely a matter of how tremendous the Rangers played and were “right where they need to be to pull off the Series.” After Game 4, I predict that the primary storyline will revert back to how poorly the Rangers did. It’s as if the Giants don’t even exist or as if the Rangers dictate their own misfortune.</p>
<p>Since when has the World Series been played in NOVEMBER? Will we have to rename Series stars “Mr. November?” Baseball commissioner is considering adding two more wild card teams to the mix in the future. We’ll be playing baseball until Thanksgiving! </p>
<p>It went into November last year, too. I remember because I was away that week and was watching it at a friend’s. It does seem a little crazy but I guess no crazier than watching the Stanley Cup playoffs in June. ;)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for this thread, guys. Son had fall break this weekend, so I have missed the last few games. Glad to be able to read a wrapup from some devoted fans.</p>
<p>With the exception of Posey, it is largely true that the Giants lineup is composed of players that other teams consigned to the scrap heap or simply didn’t want. Also, if the Giants win one of the next three games, it will be the first time in 27 years that a team has won the World Series with a completely home-grown starting rotation (all four were developed through the Giants’ farm system).</p>
<p>Thus far, the game has been very defensively oriented. No-hitter through three for The Freak and a two-hitter through four for Lee.</p>
<p>The Freak has absolutely everything working (and on a very suitable occasion). Based on his current efficiency, he could probably tally eight innings if things continue to fare well.</p>
<p>As a side note, The Strikeout Machine (my new designation for Pat Burrell) is back in the Giants lineup and up to bat.</p>
<p>Posey almost put one out of the park for the Giants. Hugely unfortunate. Remains 0-0. Neither team has advanced a runner beyond first. The last time no team had an extra-base hit was Game 1 of the 1986 World Series.</p>
<p>Uribe with a subsequent single to center. Runners on first and second, no outs. Tremendous opportunity for the Giants.</p>
<p>EDIT: Huff with the sacrifice bunt. Runners on second and third, one out. Perfect and entirely agreeable call by Bochy. But the Rangers’ favorite is up – The Strikeout Machine.</p>
<p>And The Strikeout Machine strikes out again. Absolutely huge play for the Rangers. Sacrifice fly would have brought in The Hero. Now the Giants need a hit.</p>