Taking cues from 2014 team, SF Giants appear to be hitting stride at right time

SAN FRANCISCO — If these Giants were looking for motivation with six weeks left in their improbable playoff push, the 2014 team that celebrated the 10-year anniversary of its World Series title on the field before Saturday’s game provided a tried and true formula.

That group owned a middling record in August, snuck into the postseason as the final seed and rode its pitching to a third trophy in five years.

This year’s team, many of whom took in the ceremonies from the top step of the third-base dugout, faces even longer odds.