World Series Schedule 2014: TV Coverage, Start Time for Giants vs. Royals Game 1

After a combined 324 regular-season games and 18 postseason contests, the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants have most certainly earned the right to compete in the 2014 World Series.

It was a long and arduous road during the regular season for these clubs, as each just squeezed into the playoffs with a wild-card berth. However, once they entered the postseason, they didn't look back, combining for a 16-2 record en route to representing their respective leagues on baseball's grandest stage.

These two teams are built in very similar fashion. Solid rotations, brilliant bullpen play, stout defense and efficiency at the plate were pivotal factors in each team's playoff success. As we wait to see how many of those traits they carry into the World Series, let's take a glance at the essential viewing information and preview for what promises to be a thrilling Game 1.

Viewing Information

Where: Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri

Date: Tuesday, October 21

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Channel: Fox

Live Stream: MLB.tv (requires subscription)

Game 1 Preview

Madison Bumgarner is slated to get the start for the Giants in Game 1 of the World Series. He's been electrifying so far during the postseason, churning out four very solid performances en route to an impressive 1.42 ERA.

During those four starts, Bumgarner lasted at least seven full innings in each contest, recording one complete game as well. While starting on the road is an issue for some pitchers, that isn't the case for this southpaw. He didn't allow a single run over 16.2 innings in two postseason road victories.

Bumgarner's prowess on the mound earned him National League Championship Series MVP honors. He's no stranger to big postseason games, and he noted the experience of his teammates as well, via MLB:

The Giants are absolutely loaded in the bullpen as well. Reliever Jeremy Affeldt and closer Santiago Casilla have been lights-out in October. In a combined 12.1 innings, neither has allowed a single run. That trend is likely to continue in the World Series given their career playoff numbers, via MLB:

James Shields gets the start for the Royals, and he'll have his hands full. He's known for performing in big games; however, he hasn't quite lived up to that moniker so far in the postseason. Through three starts, he's lasted a total of 16 innings, allowing 21 hits and 10 earned runs along the way for a 5.63 ERA.

Chris Rose of the MLB Network tweeted the pitcher's career postseason numbers followed by an intriguing question:

Should Shields falter early once again, at least Kansas City can take comfort in the slew of talented relievers residing in its bullpen.

Kelvin Herrera and Wade Davis have been virtually unhittable throughout the playoffs. They've combined to pitch 17.2 innings, allowing just 11 hits and two earned runs while striking out 20 batters. Herrera boasts a 1.08 ERA, while Davis holds an impressive 0.96 ERA.

These two relievers haven't only been dynamic during the playoffs, either. Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine tweeted their impressive 2014 numbers:

Factor in closer Greg Holland, who has recorded six saves en route to a 1.13 ERA, and you get a bullpen that has the ability to blank the most talented of lineups.

The Giants and Royals have been consistent at the plate, manufacturing runs by efficient at-bats and savvy baserunning. Both lineups will have to be at their best on Tuesday to continue that trend against some formidable pitching.