KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The starting pitchers for Game 2 of the World Series are a study in contrasts.
The Royals will send out rookie right-hander Yordano Ventura, who is from the Dominican Republic, grew up idolizing Pedro Martinez and now talks to him nearly every day.
The Giants will counter with veteran Jake Peavy, the right-handed hired gun who helped Boston win the World Series last year.
Both bring an element of the unknown into their World Series starts.
Ventura struggled in a relief stint during the Royals’ wild-card win over Oakland, though he pitched far better in postseason starts against the Angels and Orioles.
Peavy has had trouble against Kansas City throughout his career, especially at Kauffman Stadium.