SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 30 — San Francisco captured the World Series for the third time in five seasons with a 3-2 victory over Kansas City yesterday, sparked by pitcher Madison Bumgarner’s five shutout relief innings.

The Giants defeated the Royals four games to three in Major League Baseball’s best-of-seven final to collect their eighth championship overall and follow up titles in 2010 and 2012.

Bumgarner, a 25-year-old left-hander, overpowered Royals batters to win games two and five and pitched in the decider on only two days of rest.

He allowed only two hits while striking out four over the final five innings to complete the Giants’ championship run.

“MadBum” tosed 50 his his 68 pitches for strikes to claim World Series Most Valuable Player honours. — AFP