Corey Kluber makes World Series history in Game 1

Corey Kluber has set a World Series record with eight strikeouts in the first three innings of Game 1.

Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber has been downright unhittable in the 2016 postseason, and the right-hander’s dominance has continued into Game 1 of the World Series. Kluber has struck out eight batters through the first three innings, a World Series record.

The eight strikeouts are also a franchise record. The previous record for most strikeouts in the first three innings of a World Series game was seven, held by three pitchers. Kris Bryand and Dexter Fowler have both struck out twice. Five of the eight punchouts have been of the caught-looking variety.

Kluber’s array of fastballs have given the Cubs fits so far in Game 1. He throws cutters, two-seamers, and four-seamers, each moving in different planes. The home-plate umpire has been giving Kluber the low strike, which helps to play up his curveball which features outstanding late downward movement. The Cubs have been forced to commit to the tight breaking pitch due to the borderline strikes being called in the lower third of the zone.

Kluber has dominated, but the Cubs do have three hits, including two doubles. Ben Zobrist doubled in the second inning, while Kyle Schwarber missed a home run by inches in the fourth inning. Kluber did not strike out a batter in the fourth inning. Through four innings of work, Kluber has thrown 64 pitches, 41 for strikes. With Andrew Miller looming large in the bullpen, the ace starter needs to give his manager two more dominant innings.