World Series Schedule 2014: TV Info and Live Stream for Royals vs. Giants Game 4

The first of three World Series contests took place at AT&T Park on Friday night, but the home team did not prevail. The Kansas City Royals defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-2 on the heels of a defensive showdown. The game's result was one not seen in San Francisco for quite some time, via ESPN's Jay Harris:

Just like that, the Royals are surging once again.

Kansas City has now won nine of its 10 playoff games this year. The team's victories have consistently been generated by an offense capable of manufacturing runs and a lights-out bullpen. Both of those traits were wildly on display in Game 3.

San Francisco just couldn't quite get its bats going again Friday night. The team only came away with four hits—even one of the Giants' two scores came off a groundout. With two home games remaining, this club needs to get its offense going again in a hurry.

The Royals win sets up a pivotal Game 4. Should San Francisco win, we'll be even once again; however, if Kansas City can take another road contest, the Giants could be on the brink of a runner-up finish. Here's a look at the impending game's viewing information followed by a preview and prediction.

Game 4 Viewing Information

Series: Royals lead 2-1

Date: Saturday, October 25

Where: AT&T Park in San Francisco

Time: 8 p.m. ET

Channel: Fox

Live Stream: MLB.tv (requires subscription)

Preview and Prediction

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

The enigmatic Ryan Vogelsong will take the mound for the Giants in Game 4 in an effort to stop the bleeding. The right-hander had a strong postseason portfolio, including a one-run outing against the Washington Nationals on October 7. However, that changed after a dreadful start against the St. Louis Cardinals one week later.

Vogelsong went just three innings, allowing seven hits and four earned runs while walking two and striking out one en route to a 12.00 ERA. Due to some strong bats and great bullpen play, the Giants won that contest; however, they may not have the same fortune against a resilient Royals team.

ESPN Stats & Info tweeted the big difference in that showing and his previous playoff outings:

Jason Vargas gets the start for the Royals in Game 4. He's put together two nice postseason performances this year, combining to allow five hits and three runs over 11.1 innings for a 2.38 ERA and 1-0 record. Here's a look at a pitching comparison between Vargas and Vogelsong, via Fox Sports MLB:

"

Bruce Bochy confirms Ryan Vogelsong will start Game 4 tomorrow. Here's tomorrow's starters. #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/16xCMJwPM3

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 25, 2014"

On the offensive side of the spectrum, Kansas City is the hot team right now. Alcides Escobar continued his clutch play at the plate Friday, recording two hits and scoring the game's first two runs. With the constant solid at-bats and baserunning of Lorenzo Cain, Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer, the Royals have a versatile lineup that can strike at any time.

San Francisco has an equally dangerous offense, but its bats have gone cold at the wrong time. Hunter Pence has been a very steady bat for the Giants, but the team couldn't take advantage in the few occasions it had runners in scoring position.

With Saturday's starting pitchers unlikely to go more than five or six innings, these lineups will have to contend with fantastic bullpens once again. We saw both teams' relievers blank the last three innings of Game 3, and it's not far-fetched to think that won't happen again in Game 4.

Despite the Giants offense running cold, they have a great chance to heat up again due to Vargas' tendency to give up home runs—he allowed three in his two playoff appearances this year. Expect Vogelsong's last outing to become an aberration with a strong enough showing to lead San Francisco to a pivotal home win on Saturday.

Prediction: Giants 5, Royals 3