That intentional walk makes no sense to me either. I wish someone would explain the theory behind it. My guess is the batter up is too good of a hitter so one base beats a home run.
“I wish someone would explain the theory behind it.”
Here goes. The Giants had men on 2nd and 3rd, so 1st is “open”, and Posey (in theory their most dangerous hitter) up, and one out. If Posey hits a ground ball, the best they can hope for is one out at home plate, no chance of a double play to end the inning. And the only out might be at 1st, allowing the winning run to score. By walking Posey, they set up the possibility of a double play to end the inning on a ground ball, and avoid pitching to Posey. Unfortunately for the Royals, Pence and Sandoval were up next, and they have been hitting better than Posey in post season.