With a three-to-one series lead in the World Series, the Cleveland Indians now face a game seven at home Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs after a 9 to 3 loss Tuesday against ace Jake Arrietta.
If there is any sports town more uncertain about a three-to-one series lead than San Francisco, it’s Cleveland.
Indians starter Josh Tomlin gave up three quick runs in the first, and quickly exited the game after two and a third innings. Relief pitcher Dan Otero gave up a grand slam in the third, giving the visiting Cubs what would become an insurmountable 7 to nothing lead.
The Indians main offensive volley was a solo shot home run and a few hits to score a grand total of three, but they couldn’t take advantage of a two-out bases loaded situation in the fourth. Arrieta only gave up three hits in five and two thirds, half of the six the Cubs gave up all evening.
The controversial late relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman kept the cold Indian bats at bay, but may have injured himself, leaving his mean fastball’s availability uncertain for a crucial game seven.
While the Indians used six pitchers in their lopsided loss Tuesday, they did not use ex-Yankees ace Andrew Miller, who has pitched near lights-out relief in the post season, setting a new record with 29 strikeouts in 17 innings pitched.
Wednesday’s game seven match up features Corey Kluber for the Indians and Kyle Hendricks for the Cubs. Hendricks pitched well in the Cubs first home loss in game three, giving up no runs. Kluber has pitched games one and four for the Tribe, winning both, holding the Cubs to only one run.
With two aces on the mound in a must-win game seven, expect a pitcher’s duel and bullpen chess like you’ve never seen—after all, somebody has to go home a winner, and these teams have waited a combined 176 years to see one.
