Instant Reaction: Giants Blast Royals 11-4 In Game 4, Tie World Series At Two

The San Francisco Giants took advantage of two early walks and a fielder's choice to stake themselves to an early 1-0 lead by the Bay.

However, the Kansas City Royals exploded for four runs in the top of the 3rd inning, seizing control of the game for the time being and driving Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong out of the game.

That wouldn't last.

The Giants scored ten unanswered runs in a huge offensive outburst, hammering the Royals' pitching staff en route to a series-tying 11-4 win.

Turning Point: The sixth and seventh innings turned a nail-biter of a 4-4 tie into a laugher for the San Francisco Giants. SF scored seven times in those two frames, spreading out the offense while doing the damage without hitting a home run.

Pablo Sandoval's two-run single to open the bottom of the 6th got the wheels turning. They never stopped for the Giants.

Key Number: 22

Per ESPN Stats & Info, the Kansas City Royals gave up a combined 18 runs during their 7-0 run through the ALDS and ALCS.

They've given up 22 runs so far in just four games during this World Series.

Royals MVP of the Game: 1B Eric Hosmer (3-for-5, 1 double 1 run scored, 1 RBI)

Hosmer got the Kansas City offense started on Saturday by beating out an RBI infield single in the top of the 3rd. That keyed a four-run inning for the Royals, giving them what seemed to be firm control of the proceedings. While that wasn't the case, Hosmer's bat (three hits, one double) woke up in a big way in Game 4. If it stays awake, Kansas City will be in good shape heading into Games 5-7.

Giants MVP of the Game - RF Hunter Pence (3-for-5, 2 runs scored, 3 RBI)

Hunter Pence is hitting a smoking .467 during the World Series, providing the Giants both an impact bat and an emotional jolt with every big swing. His antics might be legendary, but if he keeps this up, he may very well back up his cult status with a World Series MVP award.

What's Next? 

Madison Bumgarner takes the hill for the Giants in a Game 1 rematch against Kansas City's James Shields. First pitch is scheduled for 5:07 PM EST.