Cubs draw level against Indians in MLB World Series

Omnisports

October 27, 2016 3:45 AM

The Chicago Cubs drew level in the MLB World Series after a 5-1 win over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.

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A day after being shut out 6-0, the Cubs responded in game two at Progressive Field.

Cubs starter Jake Arrieta was strong through 5.2 innings, giving up just two hits and one run while striking out six.

Trevor Bauer lasted just 3.2 innings, with the Cubs getting six hits and two runs off the Indians pitcher.

Kyle Schwarber went two-for-four with two RBIs for the Cubs, while Ben Zobrist also had two hits.

INDIANS HAVE PROBLEMS

Cleveland's lack of rotation depth has become an issue. Corey Kluber was sensational in game one Tuesday, but he cannot pitch every night. Cleveland turned to Trevor Bauer Wednesday, despite his right pinkie finger still looking as though it had been through a meat grinder, and he gave up two earned runs off of six hits in just 3.2 innings. With Carlos Carrasco out for the postseason and Danny Salazar returning to full strength — likely only out of the bullpen — the Indians are without their second- and third-best starters.

Schwarber's bat has ignited the Cubs lineup. After hitting five home runs in the playoffs last year, his rookie season, Schwarber was primed for a monster follow up. However, an outfield collision during the third game of the regular season caused him to tear two ligaments in his knee. Many thought Schwarber's season was over, but he was shockingly added to the World Series roster ahead of game one, and has now started both games. Schwarber almost hit a home run in game one, and he followed it up with two hits, two RBIs, a run and a walk to help the Cubs even the series.

Mike Montgomery gives Cubs' bullpen middle-inning teeth. With all the attention on Cleveland's tremendous bullpen after a near-perfect run thus far, many have overlooked the Cubs' solid pitching behind their rotation. Montgomery, who was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Cubs in July, struck out the side in the seventh inning to get out of a mini jam. He ultimately tossed two shutout innings with four strikeouts.

CUBS BREAK IT OPEN IN THE FIFTH

The Cubs put up three runs in the fifth inning.

BATTLE RESUMES FRIDAY

Kyle Hendricks returns to the mound, and Wrigley Field, for the first time since tossing the gem that earned the Cubs a trip to the World Series. He will battle Josh Tomlin in a matchup of placement pitchers trying to help their teams gain an advantage.

Omnisports