Can James Shields Live Up to “Big Game” Name in Game 1?
Going into Game 1 of the World Series, Royals pitcher James Shields has a chance to legitimize his “Big Game James” nickname.
The last time the Kansas City Royals went to and won the World Series, James Shields was just four years old.
“I think this city has been waiting for this for a long time, and the fact that we’re doing it in the fashion that we are is tremendous,” said Shields, the Royals starter for Game 1. “This is our goal in Spring Training, and we had one mindset, and that was to go to the World Series and win it. And to be able to be here on this big stage is exactly what we’ve been working really hard for all season long.”
The last time James Shields pitched in a World Series game, he was 26, finding himself on the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 2 of the World Series against the Phillies. That night, “Big Game James” pitched 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, allowing seven hits while striking out four and walking two in Tampa’s 4-2 win.
"“Obviously the postseason is a different beast and they’re on a nice roll right now.” -James Shields"
He led an underdog Rays team to a win in a World Series game. That win on Oct. 23, 2008 would also be his last postseason win prior to this current Royals run.
During the 2010 and 2011 playoffs, Shields was anything but “Big Game James,” losing both postseason starts, allowing a combined 11 runs on 12 hits in just 9 1/3 combined innings in Game 2 of the ALDS in 2010 and 2011, both against the Texas Rangers.
This year has been similar to the 2010 and 2011 runs.
While he’s 1-0 in three starts this postseason, “Big Game James” has been anything but his nickname.
Shields is tied for 23rd in ERA among starters during this postseason (5.63) with Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright (who’s watching from home) and has allowed a .309 BAA. Between the Giants and the Royals, Shields is dead last in ERA.
While Shields needs to step up on the mound and set the tone in Game 1 if the Royals are going to have a chance at winning this thing, Kansas City has the advantage of recent history behind them. The Royals swept the Giants in Kansas City in early August with Shields winning the second game of the three game series. Shields didn’t just get the win; he dominated the Giants, getting the complete-game shutout, holding them to just four hits while striking out five. The Royals overall outscored the Giants 16-6 during the series.
“I probably draw a little bit, but not too much,” Shields said. “Obviously the postseason is a different beast and they’re on a nice roll right now.”
Shields should also be fresh for Tuesday night’s start against San Francisco, going on 10 days rest. He last pitched on Oct. 10 in Game 1 of the ALCS and only went five innings. During the regular season, Shields pitched just 227 innings in 34 games. Shields is the only player on the Royals with World Series experience, which is something to definitely watch for.
“I’ve just kind of rested my body up for tomorrow,” he said to reporters on Monday.
Shields job in Game 1 is to get through six innings. He has a bullpen behind him that combined to allow just three runs throughout the postseason.
“Big Game James” shut down the Giants lineup once for an entire game. For him to reclaim that title again, he’ll have to do it under baseball’s brightest lights for just six innings, especially with an 8-0 postseason record on the line.
Legends are made in the World Series. James Shields has a chance to create his legend in Game 1.
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