The 2014 MLB World Series playoffs are well underway.

Two teams remain in contention for the World Series trophy. The Kansas City Royals recently won the American League Conference Series by sweeping the Baltimore Orioles four games to none. The National League will be represented by the San Francisco Giants.

The Royals squeaked by a tough Baltimore Orioles squad in four straight games to win the ALCS championship this past Wednesday. Every game had no more than a two run difference; two games were decided by only one run and another game was sent to extra innings.

Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain was named Most Valuable Player for his performance over that four game stretch. He batted an outstanding .533 at the plate and controlled the depths of centerfield with his speed and strong throwing arm. “I was determined to be a great ballplayer. A lot of hard work, a lot of great coaches and family pushed me to be the player that I’m becoming. It’s been a lot of fun. The hard work has definitely paid off,” said Cain, according to journalist Brian Hotch for MLB.com.

This is the first time that Kansas City has won the American League pennant since 1985.

The NLCS has been more competitive. Game One was won by San Francisco by the largest margin of the series, three runs. St. Louis fired back during Game Two and slipped by with a five to four win.

Game Three was sent to extra innings and San Francisco put themselves ahead in the series again with a five to four win. Randy Choate, the Cardinals reliever in the tenth inning, fielded Gregor Blanco’s bunt and threw the ball wide of first base, allowing Brandon Crawford to race home to score the winning run. After the game, Mike Matheny, the Cardinals coach, said, according to journalist Richard Justice for MLB.com, “We just have one game, tomorrow, and don’t take it any further than that.”

The Giants won Game Four six to four and then history was made in Game Five. With the score tied at three, San Francisco’s Pablo Sandoval and Brandon Crawford reached base. Travis Ishikawa came up to plate and launched a ball into the right field stands for a walk off home run.

The Giants are headed to the World Series.

Due to his outstanding performance on the mound for the Giants, Madison Bumgarner was named the Most Valuable Player of the NLCS. He pitched in Games One and Five, earning both wins. He only allowed three runs in eight innings pitched, stalling the powerful Cardinal offense. “I don’t really know if I deserve it, but I’m really thankful for it,” Bumgarner said according to journalist Anthony DiComo for MLB.com

Since the American League won the All-Star Game back on July 15th, the Kansas City Royals are granted home-field advantage for the final seven game series against the Giants.

The World Series starts on October 21st and has the potential to last until the seventh game on October 29th.