With a nasty 90-mph backdoor slider on the black, Giants closer Brian Wilson sat down Phillies slugger Ryan Howard on a full count Saturday night and surged the G-Men into one of the most intriguing World Series matchups in recent memory.
The Giants, who many counted out of the playoff race at the end of August, ride into the World Series on the back of clutch pitching (1.78 team ERA during September), big-time hits (like Juan Uribe’s two out, eighth inning go-ahead homer against the Phillies) and one Red Bull-guzzling ninja (Wilson).
The Rangers, who were on the brink of elimination in the divisional series, come into the October Classic loaded with offensive firepower (17 home runs this postseason), a cool as ice, seed-spittin’ manager (Ron Washington) and arguably baseball’s most dominant pitcher in Cliff Lee (7-0 with a 1.26 ERA in his playoff career).
It’s a battle of the underdogs. The Rangers are seeking their franchise’s first ever championship under the guidance of team president and former pitching great Nolan Ryan, and the Giants are looking to erase the heartbreak of the 2002 World Series by winning their first ring since 1954.
No matter who takes home the trophy, baseball wins from this match-up.
