While the focus was entirely on the Chicago Cubs coming into this World Series, Corey Kluber turned the conversation back towards the Cleveland Indians thanks to a dominant performance in a 6-0 Game 1 win.
Kluber pitched six scoreless innings and gave up just four hits to shut down the Cubs' high-powered offense, and became the first pitcher in World Series history to record eight strikeouts in the first three innings. He finished with nine strikeouts on the game. Reliever Andrew Miller replaced Kluber in the top of the 7th inning and pitched two scoreless innings, before closer Cody Allen finished the job.
Jon Lester pitched a solid game for Chicago, but struggled in the first inning. After loading the bases, Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez gave Cleveland the early 1-0 lead with this infield single:
Jose Ramirez drives in the 1st run of the game with this grounder...that didn't leave the infield! #WorldSeries #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/od1HS9a1P7
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 26, 2016
Lester then hit left fielder Brandon Guyer with a pitch, allowing another run to cross the plate. The score remained the same until the bottom of the 4th inning, when Indians catcher Roberto Perez took over. He started blasted a solo shot over the left-field fence:
Roberto Perez's homer in the bottom of the 4th to make it 3-0 #Indians! #WorldSeries #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/JoO1uY46ss
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 26, 2016
Perez then gave Cleveland some insurance in the 8th inning with this three-run homer:
Roberto Perez's three-run home run - his 2nd of the game - gives the #Indians a 6-0 lead! #WorldSeries #RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/HIpm1u8c2N
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 26, 2016
That home run marked the first time the Indians had scored in the 6th inning or later in the playoffs, and is also the first time in World Series history that the No. 9 hitter in the lineup has hit two home runs in the same game.
Perez finished 2-4 with those homers and four RBIs. Shortstop Francisco Lindor was another star of the game for the Indians, going 3-4 with one run and one stolen base. Ramirez was another hero, going 3-4 with a double and that RBI.
Ben Zobrist was the only player on the Cubs with multiple hits, going 3-4 with a double.
Game 2 of the World Series has been moved up tomorrow due to the threat of rain. First pitch in Cleveland is now set for 7:08 pm ET instead of 8:08 pm ET. Trevor Bauer will start the game for the Indians, while the Cubs will turn to Jake Arrieta.
Back to the Cleveland Guardians Newsfeed