San Francisco Giants Most Underrated World Series Moments
#RallyZito Bunts are the Best Bunts
Barry Zito did not make the 2010 playoff roster despite being the highest paid player on the team. That moment was a turning point for Zito and Giants fans alike who had been frustrated with the highly paid left hander.
As the Giants headed into the 2012 postseason, it was clear Zito would not only make the roster, but be a key part of the rotation. As singer and songwriter Ashkon would coin, the team and the fans truly rallied around #RallyZito. His performance in the NLCS and Game 1 of the World Series in particular was a redemption of all sorts.
And yet, what gets lost in the memory banks of fans is the perfectly placed bunt single Zito laid down out of nowhere against the Cardinals.
In a must win game, with the Giants down 3-1 in the series, Zito came to the plate. Gregor Blanco was on third base and the Giants were up 3-0 with two outs in the fourth inning. A fourth run would be huge in getting the victory to extend the series. Zito would go on to win the game and the Giants would go on to win the series, thanks in large part to the best bunt of the season.
We Are #VogelStrong
Ryan Vogelsong never backed down as a pitcher. The more intense a moment, the more he grinded on the mound. With all the attention put on #RallyZito, it was Vogey and the #RallyEnchiladas that seemed to come up just as big in 2012.
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Never was that more critical than with the bases loaded and triple crown winner Miguel Cabrera up to the plate. In the fifth inning of Game 3 of the World Series, the Giants were up 2-0 in the series and 2-0 in the game. If Cabrera gets a hit in this at bat, he not only likely ties the game, but brings all the momentum into the Tigers dugout.
The Tigers had lost Games 1 and 2 in San Francisco, but like many experts say, a series doesn’t begin until the home team loses. Had the Tigers won Game 3, they could possibly take the next two games as well and head back to San Francisco up 3-2. Instead, Vogelsong shut the door on the fifth and went on to win game 3 to take a commanding lead in the series.
In a four game sweep, it is easy to forget how close Game 3 was to changing everything.
Next: Remembering Yordano Ventura and Game 6
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