FINAL: Cubs 8, Indians 7; Cubs win first World Series since 1908

SHARE FINAL: Cubs 8, Indians 7; Cubs win first World Series since 1908
ax220_27a3_9.jpg

Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Jason Heyward after Rizzo scores a run in the 10th inning on a Miguel Montero against the Cleveland Indians in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

In a wild, emotional Game 7, the Cubs scored two runs in the 10th inning Wednesday to beat the Indians and claim their first World Series since 1908 at Progressive Field.

After blowing a three-run lead in the eighth and enduring a 17-minute rain delay before extra innings, Ben Zobrist and Miguel Montero had RBI base hits in the 10th to drive in the go-ahead runs.

Zobrist came up with runners on first and second and cranked a double down the left-field line to score the go-ahead run. After an intentional walk to Addison Russell, Miguel Montero hit a bases-loaded single to score an insurance run.

The Indians tried to rally – again – in the 10th, but Michael Martinez grounded out softly to Kris Bryant to clinch the game and the crown for the Cubs. Bryant smiled as he made the play and fell to the ground as he made the throw.

The Indians had rallied from a 6-3 deficit against Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman, who came into the game having thrown four innings and 62 pitches in the last three days.

Chapman gave up an RBI double to Brandon Guyer to score the first run, then surrendered a two-run home run to Rajai Davis that tied the game at 6-6 and sent the home fans into a frenzy.

Chapman, running on fumes, returned to the mound in the ninth and recorded a 1-2-3 inning. He reportedly went into the clubhouse before the rain delay in tears.


Bottom Tenth: Rajai Davis does it again in the 10th, belting a single up the middle to score Brandon Guyer and trim the Cubs lead to 7-6 in the 10th inning.


Top Tenth: Ben Zobrist drove in the go-ahead run with an RBI double in the 10th that scored pinch-runner Albert Almora,and Miguel Montero came through with a bases-loaded single to give the Cubs an 8-6 lead in the 10th.

The inning started with Kyle Schwarber hitting a leadoff single. Joe Maddon brought in Almora to pinch run.

After an intentional walk to Anthony Rizzo, Zobrist hit a double down the left field line off Bryan Shaw to take the lead.

The Cubs left the bases loaded after a strikeout by Jason Heyward and a flyout by Javy Baez.

Middle tenth: Cubs 8, Indians 6

Due up for Indians: Napoli, Ramirez, Guyer


Bottom Ninth: Aroldis Chapman, pitching on fumes and sliders, managed to throw a 1-2-3 inning against the top of the Cleveland lineup and bring this game to extra innings.

Chapman threw 35 pitches tonight and 97 in the last three games. His fastball — normally at 101 or 102 mph — was only touching 98 mph.

The Cubs have the heart of the order due up in the 10th.

End ninth: Cubs 6, Indians 3

Due up for Cubs: Schwarber, Bryant, Rizzo


Top Ninth: The Cubs put the leadoff man on in the top of the ninth and couldn’t score.

David Ross walked and then exited the game for pinch-runner Chris Coghlan. Jason Heyward reached on a fielder’s choice, and then came the moment that had Cubs fans scratching their heads:

With a full count and a runner on third, Javy Baez attempted a bunt and fouled out. Dexter Fowler followed with a groundout up the middle.

Aroldis Chapman is staying in for the Cubs, and the Indians have the top of the order coming up.

Middle ninth: Cubs 6, Indians 6

Due up for Indians: Santana, Kipnis, Lindor


Bottom Eighth: Rajai Davis hit a two-run home run off Aroldis Chapman to tie the game at 6-6 in the eighth.

Davis sent Chapman’s 2-2 pitch over the left-field wall just inside the foul pole.

The homer followed pinch-hitter Brandon Guyer’s RBI double, which also came against Chapman.

Guyer was the first batter Chapman faced after relieving Jon Lester with two outs in the inning.

The homer was the first Chapman allowed since June 18 when he was with the Yankees.

Chapman stopped hitting 100 mph on the gun late in the inning. He’s thrown 83 pitches in the last three games.

The Cubs have the bottom third of the order due up in the ninth.

End eighth: Cubs 6, Indians 6

Due up for Cubs: Ross, Heyward, Baez


Top Eighth: Cody Allen pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning to force a choice for Joe Maddon: Stick with Jon Lester or give the ball to closer Aroldis Chapman.

Chapman has thrown four innings in the past two games and his ability to get three — let alone six — outs could be compromised.

The Indians have three-hole hitter Francisco Lindor leading off the bottom of the eighth.

Middle eighth: Cubs 6, Indians 2

Due up for Indians: Lindor, Napoli, Ramirez


Bottom Seventh: Jon Lester pitched another strong inning here in the seventh, allowing a one-out walk to Roberto Perez but throwing an otherwise perfect inning.

Crowds are starting to swell outside Wrigley Field as the Cubs close in on history.

But it’s premature to start celebrating. The game is still within one swing of the bat…

Aroldis Chapman is warming in the Cubs bullpen now.

End seventh: Cubs 6, Indians 3

Due up for Cubs: Rizzo, Zobrist, Russell


Top Seventh: Cody Allen relieved Andrew Miller here in the seventh and started a strike-him-out, throw-him-out double play to end the inning.

Kris Bryant struck out on a foul tip, and Roberto Perez made a perfect throw to second to catch Dexter Fowler stealing. It was the first time the Cubs have been caught stealing in the postseason.

Jon Lester is headed back out to start the seventh inning for the Cubs.

Middle seventh: Cubs 6, Indians 3

Due up for Indians: Crisp, Perez, Santana


Bottom Sixth: Jon Lester gave up a harmless single to Lonnie Chisenhall and pitched an otherwise perfect sixth.

The Cubs are now nine outs away from their first World Series title since 1908.

It’s worth noting that Indians pitchers Corey Kluber and Anrew Miller have allowed more runs tonight than they had in the entire postseason to this point. That’s four and two runs, respectively.

End sixth: Cubs 6, Indians 3

Due up for Cubs: Fowler, Schwarber, Bryant


Top Sixth: David Ross, who was brought in last half inning to catch for Jon Lester, hit a solo home run with one out off Andrew Miller.

The homer extended the Cubs’ lead to 6-3 in the sixth.

Ross, who plans to retire after the season, is playing the last game of his career.

Lester is headed back to the mound for the bottom half of the inning.

And since I forgot to post it earlier, here’s the final line on Hendricks: 4.2 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K.

Middle sixth: Cubs 6, Indians 3

Due up for Indians: Napoli, Ramirez, Chisenhall


Bottom Fifth: Joe Maddon gave Kyle Hendricks an early hook and the move hasn’t paid off.

Jon Lester came on with two outs in the fifth after Hendricks walked Carlos Santana. Lester then gave up an infield single to Jason Kipnis and both runners advanced on a throwing error by catcher David Ross.

Santana and Kipnis then scored on a wild pitch, trimming the Cubs’ lead to 5-3.

The call to the pen seemed premature and was perhaps a case of overmanaging by Maddon.

Hendricks was only at 63 pitches and had gotten the first two outs of the inning before walking Santana.

End fifth: Cubs 5, Indians 3

Due up for Cubs: Russell, Ross, Heyward


Top Fifth: Javy Baez led off the fifth with a home run, and Anthony Rizzo singled to score Kris Bryant from first, extending the Cubs’ lead to 5-1.

Baez’s homer to right-center field came on the first pitch and ended the night for Indians starter Corey Kluber. He was relieved by Andrew Miller.

Bryant later drew a two-out walk and rounded the bases on a single to right by Rizzo.

Is a four-run lead safe with Lester warming?

Middle fifth; Cubs 5, Indians 1

Due up for Indians: Crisp, Perez, Santana


Bottom Fourth: Kyle Hendricks bounced back from a tense third inning with a 1-2-3 fourth.

Hendricks’ pitch count is only at 50 after four innings, so Joe Maddon may opt to stay with him until he gets into trouble.

End fourth: Cubs 3, Indians 1

Due up for Cubs: Baez, Fowler, Schwarber


Top Fourth: Addison Russell hit a sacrifice fly to score Kris Bryant from third, and Willson Contreras doubled to center to give the Cubs a 3-1 lead here in the fourth.

Contreras’ double bounced off the center field wall and scored Ben Zobrist from second.

The RBI double followed Russell’s sac fly. The flyout went to shallow left field, and the ball beat Bryant to home plate. But Bryant slid under the high throw to score the run.

Jason Heyward had a shot to score another run with two outs and a runner on second but popped out to shortstop.

Jon Lester was warming up during the inning in the Cubs bullpen.

Middle fourth: Cubs 3, Indians 1

Due up for Indians: Ramirez, Chisenhall, Davis


Bottom Third: Carlos Santana cranked a single to right field that scored Coco Crisp and tied the game, 1-1.

Crisp doubled to lead off the inning, and he advanced to third on a sacrifice by Roberto Perez.

Things got more tense from there. Jason Kipnis reached on a fielder’s choice when Javy Baez committed his second error of the game trying to bare hand a toss from Addison Russell.

Kyle Hendricks spared Baez any further punishment by getting the next two batters out.

The Cubs have Mike Montgomery and C.J. Edwards warming in the bullpen.

End third: Cubs 1, Indians 1

Due up for Cubs: Bryant, Rizzo, Zobrist


Top Third: Another quick inning for Corey Kluber.

Javy Baez and Dexter Fower flew out, and then Kyle Schwarber second sharply to right field before unwisely turning for second.

Lonnie Chisenhall’s throw to Francisco Lindor at second beat Schwarber by about four steps and he was easily tagged out for the final out of the inning.

Kluber threw only five pitches in the inning, bringing his total up to 32 tonight. He’ll go deep into the game at this rate.

Middle third: Cubs 1, Indians 0

Due up for Indians: Crisp, Perez, Santana


Bottom Second: An interesting second inning saw the Indians get two hits and leave nobody on base.

That’s because Kyle Hendricks picked off Jose Ramirez at first base for the first out after a leadoff infield single.

Lonnie Chisenhall then singled but was the first out of a 5-4-3 double play to retire the side.

The Cubs are doing everything right so far.

End second: Cubs 1, Indians 0

Due up for Cubs: Baez, Fowler, Schwarber


Top Second: A quick 1-2-3 second inning for Corey Kluber in the second, and the Cubs defense is back on the field in a hurry.

All six Cubs outs through the first two innings have come via flyout or popout.

Middle second: Cubs 1, Indians 0

Due up for Indians: Ramirez, Chisenhall, Davis


Bottom First: Kyle Hendricks appeared to have a 1-2-3 inning, but a throwing error by Javy Baez allowed one more Indians batter to take the plate.

Baez lost his footing while scooping up a ground ball off the bat of Francisco Lindor and attempted to whip the ball to first from his knees. Anthony Rizzo managed to stop the errant throw on one hop but couldn’t rein it in.

Hendricks ended up throwing two more pitches to face Mike Napoli, who grounded out.

End first: Cubs 1, Indians 0

Due up for Cubs: Russell, Contreras, Heyward


Top First: Dexter Fowler took Corey Kluber deep to lead off the game and give the Cubs the earliest of 1-0 leads.

It was the first leadoff home run in World Series Game 7 history.

On a 2-1 count, Fowler sent Kluber’s pitch over the center field wall just out of the reach of Rajai Davis.

Kyle Schwarber then hit an infield single and actually stole second base, but Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Ben Zobrist all flied out to end the inning.

Middle first: Cubs 1, Indians 0

Due up for Indians: Santana, Kipnis, Lindor


It’ll be a historic night for either the Cubs or Indians at Progressive Field on Wednesday. It’ll be a crushing night for one of them, too.

The two championship-starved teams will take the field for an epic Game 7 at 7 p.m. today. The game will be telecast on FOX.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. The Cubs are looking for their first World Series title since 1908. The Indians are looking for their first since 1948.

2. Tickets for the game have sold for nearly $20,000. Two seats behind the Cubs dugout sold for $19,500 on StubHub.

3. Both teams have the pitcher they want on the mound. For the Indians it’s Corey Kluber, who has already beaten the Cubs twice in this series. He’s 4-1 with a 0.89 ERA in the postseason. For the Cubs it’s Kyle Hendricks, the National League ERA leader this season.

4. The game is almost certain to come down to the bullpen, and the Indians are fresh in that arena. Neither Andrew Miller nor Cody Allen pitched in Tuesday night’s 9-3 Cubs win. Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman pitched fours outs Tuesday after pitching eight on Sunday, but Joe Maddon said he’ll be available tonight. We could see Maddon call starter Jon Lester, too, if needed.

5. The Cubs are using the same lineup that scored nine runs Tuesday, including keeping designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in the two-hole.

Here are the lineups:

Cubs:

1. Dexter Fowler CF

2. Kyle Schwarber DH

3. Kris Bryant 3B

4. Anthony Rizzo 1B

5. Ben Zobrist LF

6. Addison Russell SS

7. Willson Contreras C

8. Jason Heyward RF

9. Javy Baez 2B

Indians

1. Carlos Santana DH

2. Jason Kipnis 2B

3. Francisco Lindor SS

4. Mike Napoli 1B

5. Jose Ramirez 3B

6. Lonnie Chisenhall RF

7. Rajai Davis CF

8. Coco Crisp LF

9. Roberto Perez C

The Latest
Maybe Fields will develop with the Steelers, become a franchise star. It’s more likely he’ll be an updated Mitch Trubisky.
Crosetti Brand, 37, changed his story when he testified before parole officials, who ultimately decided to release him on March 12, a day before the attack at his ex-girlfriend’s North Side apartment.
In all, 129,000 children, 68% of those 5 or younger, had lead in their home drinking water, a study found.
It’s one to flush for the right-hander acquired from the Padres in the Dylan Cease trade.
Un cuestionario para candidatos para ayudarle a considerar sus opciones en las elecciones primarias de Illinois del 19 de marzo de 2024.