The San Francisco Giants took Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night, defeating the Detroit Tigers by the score of 8-3.

A big reason why the Giants were successful was big Pablo Sandoval. The San Francisco slugger jacked 3 home runs, putting himself into elite company with the likes of Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, and Albert Pujols as the only men ever to hit 3 HRs in a World Series game.

Making the feat even more impressive was that two of Sandoval's three homers came off reigning AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander. Verlander, who had been phenomenal throughout the postseason, looked shaky from the start. He was replaced after pitching 4 innings, allowing 5 runs, all of which were earned.

Barry Zito's 2012 redemption story took another positive turn Wednesday when he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only 1 earned run for San Francisco. Former two-time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, who had a rough regular season, continued his bullpen dominance of the postseason. Replacing Zito in the sixth, Mitch Kramer Lincecum prevented the Tigers from capitalizing after a Miguel Cabrera RBI single. He retired seven straight hitters, striking out five of them.

For a complete box score of Game 1, click here.

Game 2 takes place in San Francisco tonight. First pitch is set for 7:00.

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