NEWSLETTER
Despite the luck I tried to bring to Cleveland last night, the Cubs could not muster much offense against an excellent Corey Kluber (and Andrew Miller and Cody Allen).
Thus, Cleveland leads the series one to nothing. I’ll have much more on my experience at the Cubs first World Series Game since 1945 tomorrow (and Brett’s experience tonight), but for now, let’s focus on Game 2.
Starting for the Chicago Cubs is Jake Arrieta, and boy could they use a vintage Jake performance in Cleveland. Jake’s last start (NLCS Game 3) wasn’t quite what he was hoping, as he surrendered four earned runs on six hits (including two homers) in just five innings pitched. But, he was a lot better his first time out against the Giants (6.0 IP, 6H, 2ER, 1BB, 5Ks), and will always be an intimidating, tough pitcher to face.
Opposing Arrieta and the Cubs, is righty Trevor Bauer. We got into Bauer with more detail earlier today, so check that piece out for the whole story, but in short, he’s also had a rough postseason from the mound. After allowing three earned runs on six hits (two homers) in 4.2 innings pitched against the Red Sox, he went just 0.2 IP against the Blue Jays in Game 3 of the ALCS, exiting with a re-injured/opened finger. On paper, you like this matchup for the Cubs, especially with their offense-heavy lineup.
Coming home having split the series 1-1 would be a perfectly great outcome, especially with Kyle Hendricks taking the mound at Wrigley Field on Friday evening. Coming home 0-2 … would not. Tonight is a big game, let’s see if the Cubs can pull through.
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Game Info
Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians (Cleveland leads 1-0) – 6:00 pm CT on FOX, 670 The Score, ESPN Radio
Game Thread and Series Preview
Your game thread is down in the comments, so let’s have some good, clean (safe-for-work) fun.
The Series Preview lives here. The Lineup Discussion lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs: Jake Arrieta (R): 3.10 ERA, 3.52 FIP, 3.68 xFIP; 2.50 K/BB
versus
Indians: Trevor Bauer (R): 4.26 ERA, 3.99 FIP, 4.13 xFIP; 2.40 K/BB
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Cleveland Indians:
- Carlos Santana, DH
- Jason Kipnis, 2B
- Francisco Lindor, SS
- Mike Napoli, 1B
- Jose Ramirez, 3B
- Lonnie Chisenhall, RF
- Coco Crisp, LF
- Tyler Naquin, CF
- Roberto Perez, C
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Ben Zobrist, LF
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Javy Baez, 2B
- Willson Contreras, C
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Addison Russell, SS
