Cleveland Indians: 5 keys to victory in Game 7

3. Catch the ball

Josh Tomlin did not appear to have his best stuff in Game 6, and the Cubs were teeing off on his curveball in the first inning. Still, he would have escaped an early jam with only one run on the scoreboard if his outfielders had communicated. Addison Russell hit what appeared to be an easy fly ball to right-center field, but Tyler Naquin and Lonnie Chisenhall let the ball fall in between them for a double. Two runs would score.

Naquin played in only 116 games during this, his rookie year, and registered -17 defensive runs saved. He was the fourth-worst outfielder in baseball by that advanced metric. On the biggest stage, he appeared shell-shocked in the outfield.

Perhaps the game would have played out the same way if Tomlin had escaped the first inning unscathed. The Cubs were all over his offerings, but the early 3-0 lead completely changed the dynamic of the game. A 1-0 deficit does not feel insurmountable, but give Jake Arrieta three runs, and it’s practically a done deal.

The Indians cannot afford any more defensive lapses. Naquin nearly botched another easy fly ball, and should not start Game 7, regardless of the platoon matchups. Rajai Davis is the superior defender, and offers more on the basepaths. Francona has gone against conventional wisdom throughout the playoffs, and needs one more gamble.