Morning Marquee: Royals top Giants for 2-1 lead; Joe Maddon to the Cubs?

May the odds be ever in your favor. The Kansas City Royals took an early lead, then held on to down the San Francisco Giants 3-1, taking a 2-1 lead in the World Series.Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer provided key hits in support of  Jeremy Guthrie, who pitched five innings before the Giants were able to make some noise, threatening in the sixth. Kelvin Herrera was able to work out of the jam, but the Giants were able to put two on the board. But the Royals bullpen, and the dynamic duo of Wade Davis and Greg Holland closed out the game with a record-tying seventh save of the postseason.

With the Game 3 win, the odds heavily favor the Royals. Since the divisional play started in 1969, teams winning the third game after splitting the first two have won the Fall Classic 16 0f 19 times.

Joe Maddon set the baseball world abuzz by opting-out of his contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Rumors began to swirl quickly that the Chicago Cubs may be the most likely landing spot for the successful skipper.

The Roberto Clemente Award had two winners for the first time in it’s history, as Jimmy Rollins and Paul Konerko tied for the award. The award, given to those who represent the best of the game on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

The Chicago Cubs shut down prospect Addison Russell for the rest of the Arizona Fall League. Russell was said to be perfectly healthy, the team felt his season had been long enough, and wanted to get him some rest before beginning off-season training.

Here are top stories:

‘Royals take a 2-1 Series lead over the Giants’ – Kings of Kauffman

‘Chicago Cubs appear to be the front-runner for Joe Maddon’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Rollins, Konerko win Clemente Award’ – MLB.com

‘Lincecum’s MRI shows no damage’ – Call to the Pen

‘Addison Russell shut down in Arizona Fall League action’ – Cubbies Crib