Do or Die: World Series Game 6
The Chicago Cubs have their backs against the wall tonight as they key up for Game 6 of the World Series tonight. Many people, including the Cubs, are probably surprised that they are in this position. They were heavy favorites coming into the series, and after four games they found themselves staring at a 3-1 series deficit.
Chicago was able to sneak the last game at Wrigley Field, narrowing the margin to one game. From here on out it is a must win for the Cubs, while the Indians need one win in two games at home to clinch their first title since 1948. In order for the Cubs to stay alive they will need to play perfect baseball, as they will be the underdogs for the first time in the series in Cleveland.
The name of the game in this series has been pitching. Cleveland's arms have been absolutely dominant, holding the Cubs to only ten runs over the five games and shutting them out twice. The Indians offense has not been stellar, but it has done enough to get the job done.
Both teams are going to have their hands full tonight as Chicago is starting Jake Arietta and Cleveland is throwing Mike Tomlin. Jake Arietta was stellar in Game 2, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning and giving up only one run en route to a 5-1 Cubs win. Mike Tomlin pitched a shutout in Game 3, and with the help of Andrew Miller and Cody Allen on the back end the Tribe was able to pull away with a 1-0 win.
Neither of these two great offenses will have any fun tonight trying to figure out the opposing pitcher. The Cubs hitters have not shown the ability to figure out any of the Indians starters so far in this series. In order to keep their playoff hopes alive, their bats will need to wake up in a big way tonight to try and steal some momentum early. Mike Tomlin will no doubt be on his game tonight, knowing the Cubs are desperate. Cleveland will look to him to prey on the overaggressive Cubs hitters and ride his talent to a final win.
As a baseball fan, I personally want the Cubs to win tonight for nothing more than the gift of one more day of baseball. Regardless of who pulls out a win tonight and who ultimately wins the series, it will be a story for the ages. I cannot wait to watch the game tonight as the magic of October--now November--baseball unfolds!
