Torture it was not. The Giants take Game One of the World Series by blasting off with a thrilling 11-7 win over the Texas Rangers.
The Giants exploded for six runs on five hits in the fifth inning including a three-run home run from Juan Uribe. Rangers starter Cliff Lee was chased from the game during that breakout inning for the Giants.
Tim Lincecum pitched into the sixth inning giving up four runs on eight hits with three strikeouts. In the second straight year the Series began with a matchup of Cy Young Award winners, Lee faced Lincecum in what most would consider a pairing of unlikely pennant winners.
Barry Bonds, a victory shy of leading the Giants to the World Series title in 2002, visited San Francisco’s clubhouse before the game.
Willie Mays, who was to be among the Hall of Famers throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, was sick and missed the game. Orlando Cepeda, Monte Irvin, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey and Gaylord Perry went on without the Say Hey Kid.
This was the first Series opener at the NL ballpark since 2001, and 11 of the last 13 teams to win Game 1 have gone on to win the championship. And it was played 21 years to the day the earthquake-interrupted World Series resumed about 6 1/2 miles south at Candlestick Park.
Game Two is Thursday night with another 4:57 p.m. first pitch at AT&T Park.
