Giants end World Series drought

Renteria’s three-run homer wins the first World Series crown for San Francisco Giants since 1954.

San Francisco Giants v Texas Rangers, Game 5
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Jubilant players paraded the championship trophy to cheers from a roaring San Francisco contingent [GALLO/GETTY]

The San Francisco Giants have won their first World Series title  in 56 years.

They beat the Texas Rangers 3-1 in game five of the best of seven Major League Baseball championship on Monday. The Giants outscored the Rangers 29-12 in the five games and recorded two shutouts against Texas.

Shortstop Edgar Renteria stroked a three-run homer to left-centre field in the seventh inning off Texas ace,  Cliff Lee. This broke up a scoreless game, giving a masterful Tim Lincecum his second victory of the Series.

Renteria had landed on the disabled list three times this season because of a strained right groin season.

But in addition to his performance in the final, Renteria also homered for the first run of San Francisco’s Game Two victory. He was given the World Series Most Valued Player award.

Renteria, who also delivered the winning hit for the Florida Marlins in Game Seven of the 1997 World Series, batted .412 in the 2010 championship.

“It was a tough year for me,” Renteria said. “I told myself to keep working and I appreciate the organisation because they have patience in me.”

The Giants secured a playoff berth on the last day of the regular season and then went on to beat the Atlanta Braves. They also eliminated the twice defending National League champions, Philadelphia Phillies to reach the World Series.

The one-two punch of Lincecum and Renteria were all the Giants needed in the decisive game.

Lincecum pitched eight innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out 10. He gave up a solo home run to Nelson Cruz in the seventh inning for the Rangers’ only run.

Lee was equally brilliant through six innings, matching zeroes with Lincecum until the seventh.

Closer Brian Wilson struck out Nelson Cruz to end the game, setting off a wild celebration as Giants players charged out of the dugout for a group hug near the mound while the outfielders threw their gloves in the air as they rushed to join in.

The victory capped a remarkable run for the Giants as they brought home a first title to San Francisco after falling short in the Fall Classics of 1962, 1989 and 2002 following their move from New York to San Francisco after the 1957 season.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” winning manager Bruce Bochy said. “That just goes to show what a team can do that plays with heart and determination.”

The defeat put an end to the Rangers’ dream of winning a first World Series in their 50th year as a franchise.

“I congratulate the San Francisco Giants, they are truly the world champions,” Ron Washington, Texas manager said. “I’m very proud of my players. They played the game with passion.”

Source: News Agencies