Giants Advance to the NL Championship Series

The San Francisco Giants advanced to the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals by beating the Washington Nationals 3-2 Tuesday night.

The Giants jumped out to the lead in the second inning when shortstop Brandon Crawford singled to left center, left fielder Juan Perez reached on an error, and starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong bunted his way to first to load the bases.

Center fielder Gregor Blanco walked, forcing in the first run. Joe Panik grounded out, scoring Perez.

2-0 Giants.

Washington tied the game with runs in the fifth and seventh, the latter an impressive, tape-measure home run by Bryce Harper.

So it was 2-2 going into the bottom of the seventh, as Panik singled with one out to start what ultimately proved to be the winning rally. Up stepped catcher Buster Posey, former rookie of the year and MVP.

Posey promptly singled to center, bringing up right fielder Hunter Pence, whose dramatic inning-ending catch against the wall had ended the top of the sixth.

Two on, one out. Pitching change. The Giants had been failing all series with runners in scoring position. Facing a rookie pitcher, Aaron Barrett, Pence walked. Bases loaded for third baseman Pablo Sandoval. Fourth time the Giants had a based-loaded chance on the night. On a two and one count, Barrett threw a wild pitch and the Giants retook the lead 3-2.

Sandoval then was intentionally walked on another wild pitch (first I have ever seen during an intentional walk), and Posey tried to score. He was ruled out at the plate. Upon review, the call was upheld.

So in the top of the eighth, reliever Sergio Romo came in to do his thing, his sliders and sinkers closing out the inning.

Giants closer Santiago Casilla finished up in the ninth, and the celebration began.