World Series 2014: Updated Analysis and Predictions for Giants vs. Royals

One win. That's all that stands in the way of the San Francisco Giants and another World Series title.

That would, of course, mark the Giants' third championship in the last five years. As most baseball fans know at this point, San Francisco is looking to rename every even year as a "Giants Year," as they dominate each even-numbered season.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals find themselves against the ropes yet again. The Royals have bounced back during every opportunity this season just to make it to the playoffs and win the AL Wild Card game.

Before the series returns to Kansas City, here's a look at the latest analysis and predictions for the Fall Classic.

Breakdown

At this point, no one is doubting that Madison Bumgarner is a shut-down ace. His performance in the World Series thus far has proved that fact.

A crushing win in Game 1 seems like a letdown when considering his complete-game shutout on Sunday night. Then again, allowing any runs in the World Series is rare for MadBum, as ESPN Stats & Info notes:

Here's the thing: Bumgarner is unlikely to toe the rubber anymore for the Giants. Potentially two games remain, so it will be up to the rest of the rotation to bring the Commissioner's Trophy back to San Francisco.

That leaves the veteran duo of Jake Peavy and Tim Hudson to close out the series. Currently listed as the probable pitchers, both will have to carry the baton after Bumgarner's masterful performance.

Likely leaving the hopes of a title in their hands, here's a look at the overall postseason statistics for both pitchers:

Player	W-L	ERA	IP	SO	BB
Jake Peavy	1-4	7.05	37.0	19	16
Tim Hudson	1-4	3.53	74.0	52	21

Hudson's numbers look promising, but he also allowed three runs in 5.2 innings during Game 3. The loss was his only start on the World Series stage, as the Royals took a 3-2 win and the series lead.

For Kansas City, it will be a young pitcher in Yordano Ventura who will take the mound in Game 6 to even up the series. Already earning the moniker "Ace" Ventura, the 23-year-old has a fastball that has reached speeds of 103 mph.

He's a young pitcher, but Ace allowed just two runs in Game 2 and always gives his team a chance to win. First baseman Eric Hosmer spoke about the young pitcher, per Ted Berg of USA Today.

“‘Ace’ is not your typical rookie,” said first baseman Eric Hosmer. “He’s fearless out there. He’s confident in himself and confident in his pitches. Every time he takes the mound, we feel pretty good about winning.”

Having a lineup that includes Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and Alex Gordon, the Royals have a chance to explode at any point behind Ventura. Heading back to Kauffman Stadium, expect yet another momentum swing for the home team.

Prediction

The Giants certainly have all the momentum right now and head into the final two games with experience on the mound. However, the Royals have an electric young arm in Ventura and have proved they can get on top against both Peavy and Hudson.

If Kansas City's lineup can repeat the same success it had in Game 2 against Peavy, this series will have a completely different look. Pushing the series to seven games, the Royals will shock the Giants with two straight wins to claim their first title in 29 years.

Prediction: Royals win two straight to clinch World Series.

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