Chicago Cubs go quietly in 1-0 loss to Indians in Game 3

Oct 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (left) hits a single against Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (right) during the fourth inning in game three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (left) hits a single against Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (right) during the fourth inning in game three of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in over 70-years, Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs hosted a World Series game. The Cubs entered tonight, riding a huge wave of momentum following a 5-1 win in Cleveland. But their bats had absolutely no life.

It was a great game on both sides but the Cleveland Indians were able to get the best of the Chicago Cubs. A team that opted to roll with a three-man rotation are currently up a game on a team who had the pitching advantage.

Although it’s only Game 3, frustration has set in. The Chicago Cubs, yet again, struggled to hit with runners on base and made Josh Tomlin look like a stud on the mound. A guy who started behind Trevor Bauer and Corey Kluber.

Tonight was an important game for the Cubs who knew they were going to be in a dogfight tomorrow evening. They just weren’t able to pull it off.

The top of the order combined 2-for-11 while the rest of the lineup managed to put together three hits. A few Cubs, including Willson Contreras, Javier Baez, and Addison Russell all went hitless.

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With the Cubs trailing 1-0 during the bottom of the ninth and two out, Baez stepped to the dish following an error. Jason Heyward entered the game as a pinch-runner for Jorge Soler who had just tripled earlier in the game.

Baez ended up striking out swinging on a high fastball and left five men on base the entire evening. Something that needs to be addressed throughout the lineup or it’ll be the Cleveland Indians who will be celebrating in just a few days.

Pitching Duel

For awhile, it was Tomlin getting the best of Kyle Hendricks despite “The Professor” leading the way with six strikeouts. Cleveland was all over Kyle right off the bat, coming through with back-to-back one-out hits in the first inning of play.

Kyle was removed after just 4 1/3 innings, giving up six hits while issuing two walks and was responsible for the bases being loaded. However, Justin Grimm entered the game and got him out of it by getting Francisco Lindor to ground into a double-play.

The biggest hit of the night came from the bat of veteran outfielder, Coco Crisp. Crisp entered the game was a pinch-hitter and delivered the go-ahead, game-winning hit out to right field. Soler came up with the throw and nailed Rajai Davis who tried advancing to third.

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Now, it’s really time to wake up. Representing the National League in the World Series and struggling against a man who gave up a ton of home runs, is not acceptable. Yes, it’s still early in the series but tomorrow brings Kluber — a man who practically chewed up this lineup and spit them out in Game 1.

He is, by no means, Clayton Kershaw. Kluber is an entirely different animal who loves painting the inside corner just like he did in Game 1 when he struck out nine.

Sending John Lackey out to the mound with a 2-1 lead in the series was crucial knowing who was taking the mound for the visiting team in Game 4. This offense going to bring the very best to Wrigley Field tomorrow of they’ll be facing elimination come Sunday when it’s time for Jon Lester vs Trevor Bauer.