Giants' Ross slaps hands with teammates during Game 4 of their MLB National League Division Series baseball playoff game in Atlanta

San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers

Game 4 recap: Bruce Bochy's decision to start rookie Madison Bumgarner paid off for the Giants as they outlasted the Braves 3-2 in Atlanta Monday to capture a 3-1 series victory. The Giants advance to the National League Championship Series to play the Philadelphia Phillies.

Key moment: With one out in the seventh inning, the Giants had the bases loaded down 2-1. Juan Uribe grounded to shortshop Alex Gonzalez, who threw to second base to complete the first leg of a potential double play. The throw was wild, taking second baseman Omar Infante off the bag as Pat Burrell slid in. The umpire called Burrell safe. On replay, he appeared to be out but the ump stuck by his call, a run scored and the table was set for a Giants victory.

Game changer: Braves starter Derek Lowe had a no-hitter working into the sixth inning. Until he faced Cody Ross that is. The Giants' right fielder blasted a solo shot to left field to break up Lowe's no-no and tie the game 1-1.

Play of the game: Ross' single in the top of the seventh scored rookie catcher Buster Posey, giving the Giants the go-ahead third run. They held on through the seventh, eighth and ninth innings to close out the 3-2 win and advance to the NLCS for the first time in eight years.

Unsung hero(es): The Giants for stopping mid-celebration after their win to applaud Braves manager Bobby Cox, who retired after winning 3,680 games in 25 years for Atlanta. Classy move by the Gigantes.

Quote of the game: "This series had everything. Just the intensity and excitement of the series, it had to be thrilling for the fans. There was never an easy moment for Bobby or myself, because these games could have gone either way." - Giants manager Bruce Bochy

To reach editor Patrick Crawley, click here.

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