World Series 2016: Keys to victory for Chicago Cubs in Game 7

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell (27) celebrates with teammates Anthony Rizzo (44) , Kyle Schwarber (12) and Ben Zobrist (18) after hitting a grand slam against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (left) talks to catcher Willson Contreras (right) during the first inning in game three of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Hendricks keeps the Indians off balance

Kyle Hendricks did not pitch as poorly as his short outing in Game 3 would lead you to believe. In the regular season, Hendricks would have been given a longer leash to work with in a 0-0 game. The Cy Young candidate allowed six hits and walked two, but also struck out six.

Hendricks is in a perfect position to keep the Indians off balance. Following Jake Arrieta’s power combination of cutter and slider, the deception of Hendricks’ changeup should keep the Indians on their toes, at least early on. Throw in the added pressure the Indians will be feeling in the batter’s box, and Hendricks can easily stifle the Tribe out of the gate, thus allowing the Cubs bats to give him run support he will most definitely need.

Hendricks will likely have another short leash in Game 7. One thing that he must avoid is giving into the temptation to overthrow his pitches; that’s not what makes him successful. Getting ahead with his fastball and then floating the changeup is the formula that turned Hendricks into a Cy Young candidate this year.

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