Royals vs. Giants: Game 4 Time, TV Info, Live Stream and More

After both the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants romped through their respective leagues, it has become increasingly clear that the 2014 World Series will be a much longer affair.  With neither team able to steer the game towards their preferred strengths for an extended period of time, it is difficult to see this series ending in fewer than six games.

The Royals do have an opportunity to make that unlikely reality come true, however, after their tight 3-2 Game 3 victory.  With Jason Vargas opposing Ryan Vogelsong in Saturday's Game 4, this swing game is in the hands of two unheralded journeyman starters.

For those looking to catch this potentially Series-defining matchup, check out full TV information and live streaming info below, as well as a prediction for Game 4's outcome.

What: World Series Game 4

Where: AT&T Park (San Francisco)

Date: Sat., Oct. 25

When: 8:07 p.m. ET

TV Station: FOX

*Live stream available at MLB.TV for $9.99 subscription.

Game 4 Prediction

Neither Vargas nor Vogelsong would seem to inspire much confidence among the casual baseball fans, but both veterans have elevated their games in the postseason.  Vargas has conceded just five hits over 11.1 innings in two postseason starts, while the Giants are undefeated in Vogelsong's postseason career, dating back to 2012.

For a San Francisco offense that has scuffled over the past two games, the key may be their ability to find the long ball.  Of Vargas' five hits, three have been home runs, which have accounted for all three runs he has conceded.  The Giants are far from a power-based team—even in Game 1, just three of their 11 hits went for extra bases.

San Francisco's power issues are exacerbated in their spacious home park.  Thus, the Giants may be reliant on Buster Posey, who has notched two hits in seven career at-bats against Vargas, including a home run.  At the moment, the former MVP may be San Francisco's best hope to jolt their lineup:

The Royals would likely rather play a low-scoring game, as Game 3 was a textbook formula for how Kansas City has pulled up a plethora of close games in their postseason run.  The bullpen trio of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland continued their scoreless series on Friday night, as they have totally stymied any hint of an offense from the Giants:

Even with Vogelsong struggling in his final NLCS start, however, the righty may be able to limit a Royals lineup that has largely slumped, apart from Alcides Escobar and Billy Butler.  Omar Infante is batting, .636 in 11 career at-bats against Vogelsong, but Nori Aoki is the only other Royals batter to have ever faced the Giants' fourth starter.  Thus, both teams will likely be in the dark, a reality that should favor Vogelsong.

Even with the No. 4 starters on the mound, it seems reasonable to expect a similarly low-scoring game. That has generally proven advantageous to Kansas City, but with San Francisco's bullpen proving equally capable so far this series, Game 4 could represent an instance in which both managers need to empty out their bullpens and employ savvy late-game strategy.  If those parameters hold up, look for the Giants to hold the edge and even this series.

Prediction: Giants 4, Royals 3 (10 innings)