Indians use familiar formula to shut out the Cubs, take 2-1 World Series lead
The Cleveland Indians beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0 on Friday night to take a 2-1 lead in the World Series.
The Indians finally broke through with a run in the top of the seventh inning on an RBI single by Coco Crisp, who was pinch-hitting for reliever Andrew Miller. Cleveland threatened throughout the game, getting base-runners in each of the first five innings — even loading the bases in the fifth — but couldn’t get the big hit until Crisp stepped to the plate.
Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks exited after only 4.1 innings after the Indians loaded the bases. He was relieved by Justin Grimm, who induced an inning-ending double play off the bat of Francisco Lindor to keep the game scoreless.
Indians Josh Tomlin was lifted with two outs in the fifth inning after allowing only two hits and no runs. Andrew Miller took over at that point with a runner on second and got pinch hitter Miguel Montero to fly out to right field.
The Cubs threatened in the ninth inning, but Cody Allen escaped a second-and-third jam with two outs after a Mike Napoli error at first base. Allen struck out Javier Baez to end the rally and the game.
As has been the case throughout the postseason, Cleveland's bullpen was outstanding, pitching 4.1 scoreless innings. And now the Indians will had the ball to their ace Corey Kluber in Game 4 -- just four days after he and two relievers (Miller and Allen) shut out the Cubs in Game 1.
Game 4 is set for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX, with Game 5 on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX. If the series go back to Cleveland, Game 6 will be Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and Game 7 will be Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Coco clutch. pic.twitter.com/F7o2eTYuYo
— MLB (@MLB) October 29, 2016
Bottom of the 9th, 2 outs, winning run at 2nd. GOT HIM.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 29, 2016
Cody Allen says ballgame. @Indians take the 2-1 #WorldSeries lead. pic.twitter.com/Vfo78KafwO
