World Series rematch goes to Cubs in rainy Cleveland
The memories of winning a championship two years ago came flooding back for the Cubs when they arrived at Cleveland’s Progressive Field on Tuesday.
The feelings continued once the game began.
Kyle Schwarber hit two of Chicago’s four solo home runs during a 10-3 win over the Indians in the first meeting between the teams since the 2016 World Series.
The Cubs won Game 7 in Cleveland for their first Series championship since 1908. Though the significance of the latest victory didn’t come close to matching that, the Chicago players were reminded of it everywhere they turned.
“I like to think about the World Series, especially about all of the adversity we faced,” Schwarber said. “That was the moment we all live for, and we want to get back to it.”
Even the weather was similar. Game 7 was delayed by rain in the 10th inning shortly before Chicago took the lead. This matchup was played in a steady rain that began before the first pitch.
The Cubs won three games in Cleveland’s ballpark during the 2016 Series and continued the trend against Josh Tomlin (0-3), who allowed all four homers. Schwarber connected leading off the second and fourth. Willson Contreras went deep in the third and Ian Happ in the fourth.
Chicago third baseman Kris Bryant was out of the lineup two days after being hit in the head by a pitch Sunday. Manager Joe Maddon said the 2016 NL MVP has a cut above his left eye but no concussion after being drilled by Colorado’s German Marquez.
Marlins 3, Dodgers 2: Starlin Castro hit a game-tying double in the eighth inning and Cameron Maybin added one to break the tie in the ninth as visiting Miami rallied to defeat Los Angeles. J.T. Realmuto added a solo homer for the Marlins.
Yankees 8, Twins 3: Didi Gregorius had another big game at Yankee Stadium with a two-run homer and three RBIs, and Gary Sanchez homered twice to help CC Sabathia and New York romp past Minnesota again.
Angels 8, Astros 7: Mike Trout hit his major-league-leading 10th homer and visiting Los Angeles overcame another shaky start by Shohei Ohtani to beat Houston. Andrelton Simmons homered twice with a career-high five RBIs, hitting a tie-breaking, three-run drive in the seventh.
D’backs 8, Phillies 4: Alex Avila homered among his three hits and drove in two runs, and Robbie Ray struck out 11 while pitching into the fifth inning for visiting Arizona.
Mets 6, Cardinals 5: Jay Bruce hit a tie-breaking homer in the 10th inning, teammate Yoenis Céspedes launched a majestic three-run shot and visiting New York rallied to beat St. Louis.
Brewers 5, Royals 2: Lorenzo Cain homered and reached base four times in his return to Kauffman Stadium as Milwaukee extended its winning streak to seven games. Travis Shaw added a three-run homer for the Brewers.
Reds 9, Braves 7: Tyler Mahle lost his no-hit bid on Freddie Freeman’s homer in the seventh inning, and host Cincinnati blew a late five-run lead before Scooter Gennett connected in the 12th inning to beat Atlanta.
Rockies 8, Padres 0: Trevor Story hit the second grand slam of his career, Kyle Freeland scattered three hits over seven sharp innings and host Colorado prevailed. San Diego lefty Eric Lauer had a rough outing in his major-league debut. He allowed seven runs in three innings.
Blue Jays 4, Red Sox 3: Curtis Granderson hit a walk-off home run in the 10th inning as Toronto handed Boston its season-worst third straight defeat. Boston closer Craig Kimbrel endured his first blown save since Aug. 1, 2017.
Mariners 1, White Sox 0:
Marco Gonzales and four relievers combined on a fivehitter, Mitch Haniger singled home the only run and visiting Seattle edged Chicago. At 5-15, the rebuilding White Sox are off to their worst start since the 1950 season.
Tigers-Pirates, ppd.: Rain forced the postponement of the opener of the series in Pittsburgh. The game will be made up with a doubleheader Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. PDT.
Rays-Orioles, ppd.: The AL East matchup in Baltimore was called off because of rain. It will be made up in a doubleheader May 12.