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Giants Win World Series Opener, Sandoval Makes History

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS13) - Orange October is in overdrive as the Giants win the first game of the World Series, thanks in part to Panda Power.

This is what everyone is talking about; Kung Fu Panda Pablo Sandoval hit three home runs to lead the giants to an 8-3 win over the Detroit Tigers.

The Giants were looking for a strong start to the fall classic, and they got one Wednesday.

You couldn't have scripted it, never would have predicted it.

Frenzied fans lost it as Pablo Sandoval circled the bases with a triumphant fist-pump.

It was a home run pandemic. The Panda launched not his first, nor second, but third bomb of the night.

"Three for three," one fan cheered.

Fans knew it was the knockout blow.

"We're winning the World Series," another excited fan yelled. "We love the Giants!"

There was hardly any doubt from the first pitch to the final out.

In a game that was far from a close shave, Barry Zito and his king-sized curve kept the Tigers to a mild roar. The Giants' faithful were overflowing with confidence with Detroit's dominant ace sent to the showers early.

"We're winning the World Series in six or it might be four, might be a sweep," speculated a fan.

Break out the brooms? At least one fan thinks so, one down and three more to go.

"I am gonna get a Panda hat right now," said one excited fan. "If anybody's selling Panda hats, I'm gonna get a Panda hat."

It was a Game 1 romp thanks to a giant feat from a fan favorite who can now call himself a World Series hero.

Do you want tickets for Game 2 in San Francisco Thursday? According to StubHub, standing room only tickets are going for $495, and nosebleed seats are as high up as $550. On the expensive end, two tickets about four rows from the field cost around $19,000.

Just getting to the game will also put a dent in your wallet. Parking spots near AT&T Park are going for upwards of $130. Some garages are selling spots for $75, but the best bet is public transportation. There are extra Muni routes and taxis outside the stadium.

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