Cleveland Indians: 5 keys to victory in Game 7

Oct 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Coco Crisp (left) celebrates with second baseman Jason Kipnis (right) after Kipnis hit a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning in game four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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A few days ago, the Cleveland Indians were riding high, on the verge of clinching the World Series. Now, they are in a Game 7 with their season on the line; here are five keys to victory for the Indians.

The Cleveland Indians had an insurmountable 3-1 lead in this World Series, but are now in some serious trouble. The Chicago Cubs have roared back and have the Tribe on their heels. Cleveland will turn to their ace, Corey Kluber in the deciding game, and have Andrew Miller and Cody Allen in the bullpen on full rest.

It may feel as though the Cubs have taken control of the series and that the demise of the Indians is inevitable, but Cleveland is very much alive. The American League All-Stars worked hard to bestow home-field advantage on the Indians, and Cleveland went 53-28 at home during the regular season.

Manager Terry Francona can win his third World Series and cement his place as one of the game’s best postseason managers of all time. Here are the five biggest keys to victory for the Indians in Game 7.

Oct 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Coco Crisp (4) hits a double during the seventh inning in game four of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Bottom-of-the-order contributions

In their three wins in this series, the Indians have received key contributions from unexpected sources in the bottom of the lineup. Roberto Perez homered twice in Game 1, and Coco Crisp decided Game 3 with a solo home run. No such contributions have come in the past two losses.

With the exception of an offensive outburst in Game 4, the biggest Cleveland bats have been mostly silent in the World Series. Carlos Santana and Mike Napoli sport matching .211 batting averages. Lonnie Chisenhall has one hit in 14 at-bats. Only Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor have had consistently productive at-bats for the Indians. The rest of the lineup is easily navigable for the National League’s best pitching staff.

Anything can happen in Game 7 of the World Series, and the Indians cannot count on the heart of their order to get the job done. They may need an unexpected blast from Perez, Crisp, or Chisenhall to shock the Cubs. If the bottom three can deliver one or two big hits, it may spark the Indians to victory.

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