World Series 2016: 5 reasons Cubs complete comeback

4. Aroldis Chapman goes long

Prior to Game 5, Aroldis Chapman had never thrown more than two innings in a postseason game. He went two innings three times during the regular season, and had not done so since September 4. In a world of specialized closers, Chapman is one of the most specialized. He is openly against pitching more than an inning, and his reach-back-and-fire style does not lend itself to sustained bursts of more than three outs. In his career, Chapman has appeared 383 times, throwing only 377 innings.

Chapman’s reputation as a three-out closer was flipped on its ear Sunday night when he recorded eight outs and threw 42 pitches. He allowed only one hit and struck out four. Chapman has now thrown five innings in this series, allowing only one hit and striking out eight.

The Indians have the postseason’s biggest weapon in Andrew Miller, seemingly rubber-armed and capable of throwing two innings every other day. Miller has been making lengthy appearances all postseason, and his arm may finally be feeling it. Chapman’s innings have been limited, and his suspension at the start of the year also plays into the condition of his arm at this point of the season.

Chapman had not shown that ability until Game 5, but his newfound endurance will be a major factor if the Cubs are going to finish their resurrection. At his best, Chapman is Miller’s equal, with an astronomically high strikeout rate to match. If he is able to bounce back from his extended outing and use the day off to his advantage, look for Maddon to continue shortening games with his best reliever again entering in the seventh inning.