Why Giants' Defense Will Be X-Factor Of World Series
SAN FRANCISCO (Bleacher Report) -- The San Francisco Giants faced off against the Detroit Tigers in the first game of the 2012 World Series, and with Justin Verlander starting for the Tigers against Barry Zito, many so-called experts had all but given this first game to the Tigers.
However, the Giants and Zito turned the tables on Verlander and the vaunted Detroit offense. It was the Giants offense, led by Pablo Sandoval's three home runs, who lit up the scoreboard. The Giants won the opening game by a score of 8-3.
In addition to the offensive uprising, the Giants are a much better defensive team than Detroit. We saw this very clearly in Wednesday's game, as Gregor Blanco made two diving catches to thwart potential Detroit opportunities.
For the Giants, defense is a strength, but the same cannot be said of the Tigers, especially in a National League ballpark.
READ MORE analysis from Bleacher Report...
(Copyright 2012 CBS San Francisco & Bleacher Report. All rights reserved.)
