WhatIfSports World Series prediction update: Cleveland gains ground
Prior to Game 1 of the World Series, WhatIfSports.com's MLB simulation engine pegged the Chicago Cubs as heavy favorites. In 101 simulations of the Series, Chicago won 75.2 percent of the time. The most frequently occurring scenario predicted the Cubs to capture the crown in five games.
While that outcome remains a possibility for the Cubs, Cleveland's performance in Game 1, a 6-0 Indians victory, swung the momentum in favor of the Tribe. We again simulated the World Series -- from Game 2 onward -- to see how the odds have changed. Check out the results:
| Cubs vs. Indians Prediction: Updated Prior to Game 2 | |||||
| Matchup | Win % | 4 Game % | 5 Game % | 6 Game % | 7 Game % |
| Cubs | 60.4 | 0.0 | 15.8 | 24.8 | 19.8 |
| Indians | 39.6 | 5.9 | 8.9 | 10.9 | 13.9 |
Chicago remains the team to beat, but the Cubs' likelihood of winning the World Series fell to 60.4 percent. Prior to Game 1, the Cubs had a 21.8 percent chance to win in five games. Now, that occurs 15.8 percent of the time. The most likely outcome is a six-game victory for Chicago.
Cleveland's odds improve with every game the World Series is extended. The Indians' best chance at a championship is a seven-game series, bolstered by the possibility of sending Corey Kluber to the mound in Game 7 -- which would be his third start of the Series.
History may be on Cleveland's side. The Game 1 winner of the World Series has gone on to capture the title the last six years. Overall, Game 1 winners have collected the hardware 17 of the last 19 times.
Interested in simulating the game yourself? Try MLB SimMatchup. Or, create your own Dream Team of current and historical players to challenge your favorite club.
