Chicago Cubs: Down 3 to 1 in the World Series, all is not lost

It’s been a tough start for the Chicago Cubs to the World Series. But it isn’t over. The Cubs need to play this game like it’s their last, because it could be if things don’t change.

The Chicago Cubs lost to the Cleveland Indians 7-2 in Game 4 at Wrigley Field. They now trail Cleveland three games to one. Game 5 is scheduled for Sunday night in Chicago.  Here were my thoughts as Cleveland was leading in game four:

I was listening to a sports talk radio show in New York and the host spoke about the Cubs coming up empty in the World Series and that if “you’re in it, you have to win it.” What is this, the lottery?  He spoke of hearing that some Cubs fans would probably be disappointed but that this would be considered a very good year, even if the Cubs come up short.

This host seemed to say that “how can you say that it’s a good year if you lose the World Series?” First, the Cubbies haven’t lost the World Series, they are trailing 3 games to 1. Cleveland is a hot team, with lights out pitching. The Chicago Cubs are doing what they can to counteract the pitching strategy.  It should be pointed out that this Cubs team is very young. So many starters, although talented, are in their second year of major league baseball. Former Braves pitcher, John Smoltz, the Fox TV analyst said the players will utilize this experience and be more prepared if they are in the post-season again. That is probably true.

This isn’t the “end”

The fact that this team is in the World Series is a great testament to that talent and the strategic thought put in to assemble the 2016 Chicago Cubs. In fact, this team will go down in history, even if they lose the World Series. First time a Cubs team has won the pennant in 71 years.

The talk radio host spoke about it being hard to get back to a World Series and made reference to the 1986 Mets team that magically won the Series. They didn’t get back to the Fall Classic again with all that talent. This Cubs team is not the 1986 Mets team. And, I believe Kris Bryant and company will be back in the Series again. The current Cubs roster is young and robust.

The Cubs have gone up against Cleveland’s great pitching. Andrew Miller is establishing himself as a premier post-season reliever. Almost every batter he has faced has struck out. Why the Yanks let him go is a mystery. The Tribe’s Corey Kluber is also hard to hit. He has kept the Cubs’ hitters on their heels in his starts. They just can’t catch up to him. Maybe they will.

Anthony Rizzo sent a ball deep against the wall for a double to lead off the bottom of the sixth in game four. Yet the next three batters went down.  The Cubs were simply handcuffed by Kluber in his second World Series start.

Next: Poor offensive approach has created this 3-1 hole

Still, the Series is in Chicago and Cubs fans are on the verge of erupting. There is another game. I hope this Series goes long. Whatever the outcome, one can only look at this as a Cubs success. And, down the road, this team will likely be back again