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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Oct 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Andrew Miller (24) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning in game four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Follow the formula

Terry Francona has followed the same formula the entire postseason. Step 1 — get an early lead. Step 2 — get five innings from starting pitcher. Step 3 — turn it over to Andrew Miller and Cody Allen. Entering Game 7, Francona has the three pitchers he needs in place. Throughout the playoffs, Francona has redefined bullpen management. The Cubs may have the superior lineup and rotation between the two teams, but Kluber, Miller, and Allen have been the great equalizers in the postseason.

Kluber will become just the third pitcher in the last three decades to start Games 1, 4, and 7 of a World Series. He is going on short rest for the third time in the postseason, and will eclipse 250 total innings for the year in the fifth inning. Kluber may not have much more in him at this point than five innings, but the Indians do not need much more.

The tandem of Miller and Allen is having a historically good postseason. Between the two of them, the relievers have allowed only one run in 28.2 innings with 51 strikeouts. Both are rested. Miller has not pitched since Game 4, and neither pitched in Game 6. Bryan Shaw is also not to be overlooked, as he has struck out six in 3.2 innings in the World Series. Shaw can serve as a bridge to Miller and Allen if need be.

Kluber has been outstanding the entire postseason, and the Cubs have not threatened him in two World Series starts. If he can give his team five innings, Miller and Allen will close out the win and make the Indians the World Series champions for the first time since 1948.

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