MLB: Game 7 preview
Sorry to start with a cliche, but this one’s for all the marbles. If you’re an MLB executive, you couldn’t be happier as there is a highly anticipated, winner take all game 7 for the world series between two teams with great backstories in dire need of a world series championship. If you’re a Chicago Cubs or Cleveland Indians fan, you’re filled with anxiety and a very prevalent uneasiness as Game 7 approaches, taking place in Cleveland tonight at 7:00 ET.
In a series that has been fairly unpredictable thus far, I see this game coming down to a few key points. For the Indians, they need to get starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks out of the Game early. Hendricks was the ERA (Earned Run Average) leader through the regular season, so that might be difficult, but the Cubs have little confidence in their bullpen and will do everything they can to avoid using it.
Last night in game 6 Cubs manager Joe Maddon used the tired Aroldis Chapman in a blowout game instead of saving him for tonight’s game and using a fresher pitcher last night. Chapman will still be available but I expect him to get tired if his services are needed for multiple innings. If the Indians force the Cubs to use their bullpen early in the game, it leaves them in a better position before they face the power throwing Chapman.
For the Cubs, in addition to getting star pitcher Corey Kluber out of the game early, they will have to break through one of the members of the dynamic Indians bullpen. With a rested Andrew Miller and Cody Allen, the Indians bullpen is nothing to take lightly, and the Cubs will have to figure something out against one of them.
I expect the middle of the Cubs lineup, featuring Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo to provide good production, but a helpful push from the back end of the lineup will end up being the difference maker in a close game. In the end, the Indians will fall just short at home and the Cubs will end the 108 year championship drought with a 4-3 win over the Tribe.
