Chicago Cubs: Remembering a World Series championship two years later

Chicago Cubs: Can you stand the rain?

Who expected Cubs leadoff man Dexter Fowler to hit a leadoff home run in Game 7 of the World Series? We might not have seen it coming, but we appreciated it all the same. Similar to Arrieta, Fowler blossomed with the team in a big way. In just two seasons, he quickly became one of the most beloved members of this franchise and is to this day.

More from Cubbies Crib

Setting the tone early, Chicago’s bats went to work while Kyle Hendricks was twirling what looked like the makings of a complete game. However, skipper Joe Maddon had other plans in mind, removing him after 4 2/3 frames – despite not being anywhere near the 100-pitch mark.

Lester came on in relief, immediately spiking a ball that allowed two runs to score. But the vet stopped the bleeding, preserving the lead in the process. But after Cleveland inched closer, they pounced all over closer Aroldis Chapman in a three-run eighth inning, capped by Rajai Davis‘ rocket into the seats down the left-field line.

Chapman was called upon early and often by Maddon. What followed, once again, fit the script of a Hollywood movie. A brief rain delay late in the game stole the show. Both teams retreated into the bowels of Progressive Field – and the Cubs rallied behind Jason Heyward‘s emotional speech.

Coming out swinging, Schwarber singled and was lifted for pinch-runner Albert Almora. The Chicago outfielder, with some veteran-like baserunning, later scored on Ben Zobrist‘s RBI double down the third base line, making it 7-6. Miguel Montero then drove in Zobrist with a knock of his own.

When the inning ended, Chicago had a two-run lead. The ‘Lovable Losers’ were now just three wins from a World Series championship.

Chicago Cubs: Can you stand the rain?

More from Cubbies Crib

Schedule