World Series: Game Six

The Chicago Cubs' offense finally showed up in the World Series last night, and it wasn't a minute too soon.  Trying to wrap up their first World Championship since 1948, the Tribe went to Josh Tomlin (13-9, 4.40 E.R.A.) on short rest.  Tomlin has been great in the post-season, but he was dreadful last night.  The Cubs jumped all over him for three runs in the first, thanks to a homer by Kris Bryant and a two-run double from Addison Russell.  Two innings later, in the top of the third, the Cubs loaded the bases with  a walk from Kyle Schwarber, a single by Anthony Rizzo, and a single by Ben Zobrist.  That was all for Tomlin, who was replaced by Dan Otero.  Cleveland's bullpen has carried them, but here's what happened when Otero faced Russell:

Pitch 1:  Ball (1-0)
Pitch 2:  Ball (2-0)
Pitch 3:  ADDISON RUSSELL HITS A GRAND SLAM TO CENTER FIELD.

In case you are keeping track, Russell killed off the Dodgers with big home runs late in the N.L.C.S., and he did the same thing to Cleveland last night.  Two for five with six R.B.I's is a very good night's work.

With the Cubs up 7-0, the only drama left was how the Cubs' pitchers would finish out the game.  They did well, taking a 7-2 lead into the ninth, and rolling to a 9-3 win thanks to Anthony Rizzo's ninth-inning homer.  There was some complaining that Aroldis Chapman threw 20 pitches, given that Chicago had such a big lead, but I trust Joe Maddon with those types of decisions.

Sometimes, a flukey or obviously over-matched team gets into the World Series -- like the Mets last year.  But this year, the Indians and Cubs are both very worthy champions, and they have played an excellent series.  It is only fitting that they should play the full seven games, and we look forward to tonight's showdown.

Cleveland 3 - 9 Chicago

Chicago and Cleveland are tied 3-3