World Series Open Thread: Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians

Time/Place: Progressive Field, 8 p.m. ET
National Anthem/First Pitch: Rachel Platten, Kenny Lofton
TV: FOX
Pitching Matchup: LHP Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA) vs RHP Corey Kluber (18-9, 3.14 ERA)

Outlook

The Indians practically swept their way to the World Series; they have only lost one game in the postseason thus far. The Cubs, on the other hand, had to work very hard to get where they are today. The Indians haven’t played since last Wednesday, while the Cubs didn’t wrap up their series until Saturday.

Obviously, this World Series means so much to both teams. The Cubs haven’t won the championship since 1908 when they beat Detroit [Ed.: we’re still bitter about that], and they haven’t been to the World Series since 1945 when the Tigers avenged their previous Series loss to the Cubs (the Tigers also beat the Cubs in 1935 for good measure). The Indians were last in the World Series in 1997 and haven’t won a championship since 1948 when they beat the Boston Braves. In both cases, it has been a very long time since the respective cities (or parts of cities) have had a victory parade for its baseball team.

Hitters to fear are Rajai Davis (.325 BA in 40 career AB against Lester) from Cleveland and Anthony Rizzo (1 for 3, 1 RBI career against Kluber) from Chicago.

Prediction

Chicago wins this one and eventually sweeps the series.