Royals still ahead; Giants break offensive drought

Oct 25, 2014 - 2:33 AM San Francisco, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Run-scoring hits from Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer in the sixth inning have allowed the Royals to stay ahead of the San Francisco Giants in Game 3 of the World Series.

Kansas City holds a 3-2 lead through six innings, but the Giants have come charging back after falling behind by three runs in a series that is tied after two games.

Tim Hudson had essentially been matching Kansas City starter Jeremy Guthrie on the mound until the sixth inning. Two hits from Alcides Escobar, though, made a huge difference for the Royals.

Escobar hit the game's first pitch from Hudson off the wall in left field. He advanced on Gordon's groundout to first, then scored on Lorenzo Cain's bouncer to shortstop.

Hudson, making his first World Series appearance, retired 12 consecutive batters until Escobar rolled a single into center field with one out in the sixth inning. Gordon then drilled a one-hop double off the wall in center to plate the game's second run.

Javier Lopez entered from the bullpen with two outs, but Hosmer, on the 11th pitch of his at-bat, hit a liner past the reliever's glove into center field. Gordon scored without a throw to the plate for a 3-0 KC lead.

The Giants hadn't scored since the fourth inning of Game 2, but finally broke through against Guthrie in the home sixth Friday. Guthrie, who last worked nine days ago in Game 3 of the ALCS, had set down 10 straight batters until Brandon Crawford singled to right to start the frame. Pinch-hitter Michael Morse doubled down the left-field line to plate Crawford.

Kelvin Herrera was summoned from the bullpen, but he walked Gregor Blanco on four pitches. Joe Panik hit a chopper to the mound, and the out at first allowed both runners to move into scoring position. Posey's grounder to second plated San Francisco's second run, but Pablo Sandoval grounded out to first to end the inning.

Sandoval entered Friday by reaching base safely in 25 straight postseason games.

The Royals evened the best-of-seven series with a 7-2 victory Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

The Giants, who are trying to become the second NL team to win three World Series in a five-year span, entered Friday's contest having won nine of their last 10 postseason home games. They have also won their last six World Series home contests. Their last defeat at home in the Fall Classic came in Game 3 to the Angels on Oct. 22, 2002.