Chicago Cubs: Four keys to winning Game 7 of the World Series

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) throws to first base for a double play against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning of game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports — Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Cubs Defense

The Chicago Cubs’ defense is fantastic. The infield’s ability to turn double-plays, and the outfield’s knowledge on where to throw limited runners all season. During the World Series, they have only committed two errors. Both of those were by Kris Bryant in Game 4, leading to a loss. The opposing pitcher that game?

Corey Kluber.

Throughout the series, the Cubs have defended well. Starting Jorge Soler over Jason Heyward was a risk that did not work out well, as there were plays Soler did not make. A wall-climbing catch and an outfield assist by Heyward took runs off the board. The combination of Addison Russell and Javier Baez clears runners fast than you can blink. Combined with the pitching of Hendricks, the Indians will need to run the bases to snatch some runs.

But, beware the arm of Willson Contreras. The vaunted running attack of the Indians is limited to four steals so far. Contreras and Baez can continue to eliminate that threat.

Cubs Defense

Schedule