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World Series 2016: 5 reasons the Cubs win it

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Anthony Rizzo has found his stroke

As the Cubs stared down a 2-1 hole in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, first baseman Anthony Rizzo was staring down a 1-for-forever in the 2016 postseason. The Cubs won three straight in convincing fashion, and Rizzo’s slump was gone at the blink of an eye.

Rizzo is currently riding a streak of three straight two-hit games, and homered twice as the Cubs blew out the Dodgers three times to win the series in convincing fashion. The left-handed slugger should match up well against the right-handed heavy starting rotation of the Indians. He posted a .930 OPS against right-handed starters this season.

Rizzo is not the only formerly-slumping Cubs to break out in a big way down the stretch in the NLCS. Shortstop Addison Russell had six hits, two home runs, and four RBIs in the three blowout wins. If both Rizzo and Russell stay hot, there is little chance the Indians can match the firepower of the Cubs offense.

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