San Francisco Giants trying to win third World Series in five years

Daneia Rodriguez, Staff Writer

For some reason the San Francisco Giants have a knack for winning championships in even-numbered years, especially in 2010 and 2012. Maybe the Giants can capture the World Series again in 2014.

The Giants have had a fair share of ups and downs this season, but have pushed through that and are on the top of the standings in Major League Baseball.

Oufielders Angel Pagan (.321), Michael Morse (.286) and Hunter Pence (.290) are having all-star seasons leading the Giants in batting average and other statistical categories. Between the three players, they have 24 home runs, 192 hits and 80 RBIs as of Friday, June 6.

The bulk of the offense runs through the three everyday outfielders and is the main reason why the Giants are on top of the majors.

Left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner (pictured above) leads the team with eight wins and 90 strikeouts. Pitcher Tim Hudson, signed in free agency from the Atlanta Braves, leads the team starters with an ERA of 1.75 and two losses.

With Bumgarner and Hudson at the forefront of the pitching staff this year, the Giants are ranked third in the majors in pitching ERA.

The bullpen is led by closer Sergio Romo, sitting at 18 saves which is tied for first in the majors. The Giants have other quality pitchers in the bullpen such as: Jean Machi (5-1, 23 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.33), Javier Lopez (1.50 ERA) and Jeremy Affeldt (only has allowed three earned runs in 21 appearances).

In his sixth year with the Giants, catcher Buster Posey is having a down year in batting average (.262) but has not affected the team’s success this season.

The biggest win streak for the Giants this season is six games in late April, early May. In the streak, they beat the San Diego Padres twice, swept the Atlanta Braves in three games and managed to steal a win against the  Pittsburgh Pirates.

The way the Giants have been playing could lead them to their eighth World Series win. With their championship two years ago against the Detroit Tigers, the chances of the team getting another one in 2014 is high.

Standing in the way of a possible World Series win is the team across the bay, the Oakland Athletics. The A’s and Giants are neck and neck in the standings and currently lead both leagues.

If the Giants have to get through the A’s to win, so be it, but it would definitely be worth watching another Bay Area World Series in 2014.

The Giants will get the A’s back for sweeping them in 1989. The team is ready to achieve  its third championship in five years.

The word dynasty will be floated around if that happens.