Triple Play: Giants outlast Royals for third title in five years

GIANTS OUTLAST ROYALS FOR THIRD TITLE IN FIVE YEARS|

The San Francisco Giants’ philosophy over the past few years: Don’t get mad, get even. And get crowned.

The Giants extended their mastery of even-numbered years by taking the 2014 World Series from the Kansas City Royals, just as they defeated the Detroit Tigers in 2012 and the Texas Rangers in 2010. They had to work harder for this one, including a tense 3-2 victory in Game 7 on Wednesday, but the result was the same - a dogpile on the opponent’s field, a shower of champagne and beer in the clubhouse and a parade to come in San Francisco.

The Giants overcame a playoff-starved crowd at Kauffman Stadium through the efforts of their bullpen, and especially on the left arm of Madison Bumgarner, the ace starter who turned into a clutch reliever in Game 7. He wound up getting the save Wednesday after picking up two wins earlier in the Series.

Not quite a dynasty in the same mold as the 49ers of the 1980s and early ’90s, the Giants have displayed an ability to reinvent their roster not once but twice. That they’ve emerged as champions both times is both miraculous and a powerful testament to the talents of general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy.

Each recent champion has been different. The 2010 Giants were a quirky bunch that got a big boost from several innocuous-seeming midseason trades. The 2012 team staged a pair of death-defying comebacks in the playoffs to reach the World Series. The 2014 edition might be the most improbable yet.

This year’s Giants fell out of first place July 26, in the midst of a six-game losing streak. As late as Aug. 12 they were six games over .500. They lost stalwart pitcher Matt Cain to elbow trouble in July, and lost their offensive spark plug, Angel Pagan, to a shoulder injury in September. They entered the playoffs as the lowest seed in the National League, guaranteeing extra road games.

None of it could stop the Giants from their appointed rounds, which clearly involve hoisting that elaborate World Series trophy every other year.

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