Flying start for Indians
WHILE the Chicago Cubs returned to the World Series yesterday after a 71-year wait, the Cleveland Indians made sure they would wait even longer for a Series victory.
Cleveland’s Roberto Perez smashed two home runs and pitcher Corey Kluber struck out nine batters over six shutout innings to spark the Indians over Chicago 6-0 in the opening game of the American baseball decider.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a night like that. It was huge,” Perez said.
“For me it means a lot. I’ve come a long ways. I’m playing with confidence right now.”
The Cubs own America’s longest sports championship drought, having not won the Major League Baseball crown since 1908. The Indians last won the title in 1948.
The best-of-seven showdown that will end one team’s misery continues today at Cleveland before shifting to Chicago’s Wrigley Field.
The Indians managed the first shutout in a World Series opener since 1990. Game 1 winners have gone on to capture the World Series in 17 of the past 19 years.
The Cubs, who led the major leagues with 103 regular-season victories, lost in their first World Series appearance since 1945.
“I’m not disappointed by any means except for the fact we did not win,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “We actually did better than that all looked.
“The quality of at-bats were not that bad. I have no concerns. We were ready to play. Our guys looked really good.”