World Series Game 1 recap: Indians blank Cubs 6-0

Oct 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game four of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Indians take Game 1 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs with a score of 6-0.

Game 1 of the 2016 World Series goes to the Cleveland Indians in a 6-0 shutout win over the Chicago Cubs in Cleveland. The Cubs had lots of scoring opportunities but were no match for the Tribe’s bats as Cleveland takes Game 1.

The Cleveland Indians came on the board in the first inning when Jose Ramirez sent a soft grounder to third baseman Kris Bryant, scoring Francisco Lindor. Then, with bases loaded, Brandon Guyer was hit by a pitch and brought in Mike Napoli so that the Tribe finished the inning up 2-0.

In the 4^th inning Roberto Perez sent a long ball into left field for a solo home run, bringing the score to 3-0. But Perez wasn’t done yet. Perez came back in the 8^th and nailed a 3-run homer to left center field, scoring Brandon Guyer and Lonnie Chisenhall and putting the Indians up 6-0.

RHP Corey Kluber had the start for the Indians and LHP Jon Lester was on the mound for the Cubs. This was the 4^th postseason start for both pitchers; they have also had three starts in Game 1 of the 2016 postseason.

Lester lasted 5.2 innings when he got into trouble early in the game with the bases loaded. He allowed six hits and three runs, with seven strikeouts and an ERA of 4.76. Pedro Strop came in to relieve Lester in the 5^th inning and by the end of the game the Cubs had gone through five pitchers.

The Indians, by contrast, got six solid shutout innings of work from Corey Kluber, who allowed four hits but finished with a colossal nine strikeouts. Tribe manager Terry Francona’s plan is to have Kluber start Game 1, 4, and 7 if necessary. Fortunately for the Indians, despite their injuries their bullpen is deep enough to get their starters out early. In this case, the plan allows Kluber to be ready to play three of seven games if the series goes all the way.

Game 2 of the 2016 World Series continues on Wednesday, October 26, at 7pm. RHP Trevor Bauer will take the mound for the Indians and RHP Jake Arrieta will start for the Cubs.

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