Giants vs. Royals: Breaking Down Best Performances from World Series Game 7

It took some early fireworks at the plate followed by some incredible relief pitching, but after the dust settled in Game 7 of the 2014 World Series, the San Francisco Giants emerged as champions for the third time in five years.

Here's a look at another huge celebration, via the team's official Twitter account:

Players from both teams gave several epic performances on Wednesday in a thrilling 3-2 Giants win. Even though San Francisco did come out on top, the Kansas City Royals concluded their storybook season with another solid all-around showing.

As San Francisco prepares for a big parade and Kansas City gears up to get at it again next year, here's a look at the best performances from an epic Game 7.

Madison Bumgarner

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Bumgarner was already the team's most valuable player after a seven-inning win in Game 1 and a complete-game shutout in Game 5. But what he did in Game 7 was simply heroic.

The pitcher made himself available in the bullpen despite being on just two days' rest. Well, he was needed quickly after starter Tim Hudson lasted just 1.2 innings and star reliever Jeremy Affeldt went a strong 2.1 innings thereafter.

The southpaw entered the game with the Giants up 3-2 and somehow managed to pitch the last five innings, allowing just two hits and zero runs while striking out four and finishing the World Series with a 0.43 ERA. SportsCenter tweeted one word that summed up the performance perfectly:

Not only was he a beast, but he also became the latest World Series MVP, via Bleacher Report:

According to ESPN Stats & Info, Bumgarner's showing notched his name in the history books as well:

Bumgarner's combined three World Series outings added to his already illustrious postseason numbers. According to the Giants' official Twitter account, he threw more innings than any pitcher in postseason history and came away with this stat line:

Now, that's an MVP performance.

Alex Gordon

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Gordon delivered a fantastic—albeit controversial—performance for the Royals in Game 7. His efforts were one of the biggest reasons why Kansas City was able to keep up and provide a nail-biting conclusion to this year's championship series.

After the Giants took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning, Gordon took matters into his own hands. With Billy Butler on first base, Gordon ripped a double to center, which sent his teammate all the way around the bags for the team's first run of the game.

Fox Sports MLB tweeted the score as it happened:

The double was huge for Kansas City, and Gordon stepped up at the right time. After all, according to ESPN Stats & Info, he wasn't having the greatest World Series prior to that moment:

Gordon continued his stellar effort on the bags when Mike Moustakas flied out to left. He saw an opportunity to reach third based after an off-balance catch by Juan Perez. Gordon took a chance and got himself into great scoring position with just one out.

One batter later, it paid off. Omar Infante flied out to center, and Gordon took home plate. MLB tweeted the baserunner's heroics:

In the ninth inning, Gordon provided some late-game drama. He blasted a single to center and did reach third on a fielding error by Gregor Blanco. However, due to the immense depth of the ballpark, some onlookers thought he could have attempted an inside-the-park home run.

Although, according to Matthew Pouliot of NBCSports.com, he would have never made it:

Still, his great effort got him into scoring position and gave the Royals a real chance to even the score late in the game. That kind of effort should be met with a high level of praise. Gordon was truly one of the best performers in Game 7.

Pablo Sandoval

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Sandoval has been getting it done on offense and defense for the Giants throughout the postseason. His effort on Wednesday night was no different.

He was hit by a Jeremy Guthrie pitch to lead off the second inning and advanced to third after singles by Hunter Pence and Brandon Belt. Michael Morse flied out to deep right on the following at-bat, sending Sandoval home to notch the first run of the game.

Sandoval struck again in the fourth inning, reaching on an infield single to second. He moved to second on a Pence single and then tagged up to advance to third when Belt flied out to right. Morse followed that up with a single off Kelvin Herrera, and Sandoval crossed home plate for the second time in Game 7.

Those two runs were impressive—and extremely decisive—but those weren't his only heroics. Later in the game, Sandoval singled to left and doubled to left. While there weren't any runs produced off those hits, he did set an all-time postseason record, according to MLB Stat of the Day:

Now, that's impressive.

Fittingly, Sandoval also recorded the final out of the World Series, catching a Salvador Perez foul ball to clinch the title for the Giants. ABC News tweeted a picture of his celebration:

Sandoval's efforts throughout the World Series most certainly were MVP-worthy. While Bumgarner absolutely deserved those honors with his workmanlike performances, Sandoval is at least in line for some major kudos.