Cleveland Indians: 5 keys to victory in Game 7

4. Manufacture runs

If Napoli and Santana cannot shake off their series-long slumps, the Indians may need to get creative on the bases to score runs. They led the American League in stolen bases during the regular season, but have been outswiped in the World Series by the Cubs, 6-4. The Indians do have a speed advantage, but haven’t generated enough traffic on the bases to take advantage of it.

Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor have been the best hitters for the Indians in the World Series, and both are capable of stealing a base. Kipnis stole 15 in the regular season, while Lindor stole 19. Rajai Davis did not start Game 6 due to platoon matchups, but Terry Francona should consider eschewing conventional wisdom in order to get the speedy outfielder’s legs into the lineup. Davis leads baseball with four postseason steals. Davis has struggled in the postseason, with only three hits in 27 at-bats. He must find a way to reach base by any means in Game 7.

Kyle Hendricks is effective in controlling the running game, and allowed only 13 steals in 31 starts this year. His catchers only threw out four would-be thieves, so if the Indians are able to get a good jump in a non-fastball count, they figure to steal easily. If, as expected, Jon Lester pitches in relief, the Indians must capitalize on his inability throw over to first base. Francona must give Lindor, Kipnis, Jose Ramirez, and Coco Crisp the green light to steal at will.