Giants Win 2010 World Series Over Rangers By Riding Stellar Pitching

Edgar Renteria was named the 2010 World Series MVP just a few minutes ago. The Giants scored 29 runs over five games, four of which they won. But make no mistake - the biggest factor was the strength of their pitching.

Okay, so in Game 1, it was the hitting. It was the hitters who established an 8-2 lead against Cliff Lee and the Rangers in the fifth inning, and that wound up an 11-7 game. There wasn't very much pitching to speak of.

But look at Game 2. Though it wound up 9-0, it was 2-0 going into the bottom of the eighth, and it was Matt Cain who kept the Rangers quiet with 7.2 shutout innings.

Look at Game 4. While Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey homered, it was Madison Bumgarner who kept the Rangers quiet with eight shutout innings.

And look at Game 5. While Renteria hit the big home run that put the Giants in front, it was Tim Lincecum who allowed just a solo homer over eight standout frames.

The Giants finish the World Series with a team batting average of .249 and a team slugging percentage of .450. But they also finish the World Series with a team batting average allowed of .190, and a team ERA of 2.45. Their arms were able to keep guys like Josh Hamilton and Vladimir Guerrero in check, and now they have all the time in the world to reflect on their achievement.