MLB World Series Open Thread: Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians

Chicago Cubs at Cleveland Indians (series is tied 3-3)

Time/Place: 8 p.m. ET, Progressive Field
TV: FOX
National Anthem: Cleveland Chorus
First Pitch: Jim Thome
Pitching Matchup: RHP Kyle Hendricks (2.13 ERA in 2016) vs RHP Corey Kluber (3.14 ERA in 2016)

Outlook

Here we are. Game seven of the World Series. This is what all ballplayers play for- to take part in a game with magnitude as huge as tonight’s game. According to this article from cleveland.com , “In the last 100 years, there have been 35 installments of a Game 7 in the World Series. The home team has racked up an 18-17 record in those contests, though nine of the last 10 teams to win a Game 7 did so at home.”

While Hendricks and Kluber will be the starting pitchers, they will be relieved quickly should problems arise. Joe Maddon said today that Jake Arrieta will be available out of the bullpen, which is significant because he threw 102 pitches over 5 ²⁄₃ innings just last night. It is safe to assume for both teams that whoever can pitch tonight, will pitch tonight if need be. This is the one time when managers don’t need to worry about the future; all that matters is right now.

Hitters to fear are Ben Zobrist (.391 BA in 2016 postseason) from Chicago and Francisco Lindor (.364 BA in 2016 postseason) from Cleveland.

Prediction

This one is way too close to call.

Enjoy the game everyone! It’s the last MLB game of the year. Who are you rooting for?