Quality pitching is the name of the game. Cleveland’s ace Corey Kluber did his job on Tuesday, and then it was Chicago’s turn as Jake Arrieta took the mound on Wednesday. He allowed one run over five-plus innings and then handed it off to a bullpen as impressive as Cleveland’s, including Aroldis Chapman, who seemed to hit triple digits on his fastball with every pitch. The Indians struck out 12 times a team and the Cubs won Game 2, 5-1.
Pitching wasn’t only the story. Indians pitching wasn’t as sharp Wednesday, so the Cubs took advantage and drew eight walks as a team. You get a few free passes, combined with some key hits and runs will start to cross home plate.
The series now shifts to Chicago and Wrigley Field where Cubs fans will no doubt be bonkers, more than ready to exorcise 108 years of futility. Pressure’s on, *Derek Falvey.
Extra innings…
-Old friend Jeff Manship, who was drafted by the Twins in 2006, made a scoreless appearance in relief for the Indians on Wednesday.
-Oct. 26, 1991: Kirby Puckett hits a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the 1991 World Series to force Game 7. We’ll see you tomorrow night!
October 26, 1991: Kirby Puckett leads off the bottom of the 11th with the greatest HR in #MNTwins history. "Touch 'em all, Kirby Puckett." pic.twitter.com/Tg1Nnvm2hf
— The Twins Almanac (@TwinsAlmanac) October 26, 2016
*Derek Falvey: Still assistant general manager of the Indians until the World Series is complete. That’s when he will take over as chief baseball officer of the Twins.