The Chicago Cubs fought off elimination in Game 5, yet still trail the Cleveland Indians 3-2 in the series. Chicago will be looking to stay alive one more game to force a winner-take-all Game 7, while the Indians would love to end the series by winning their first World Series title since 1948. Can they do it, or will the Cubs extend their season? Here's everything you need to know going into Game 6:
Who wins the 4-inning battle?
In every game this series, whoever has been leading after the fourth inning has gone on to win the game, showing the importance of getting off to a hot start. Cleveland's bullpen has shut down Chicago's offense whenever they get in the game, and it has taken the Cubs' starters a few innings to get settled in. That stat also shows that both teams are pressing - and maybe feeling the pressure a little bit - when they're down late in the game. In a crucial Game 6, that pressure will be even higher. So, which team can feel confident about themselves by grabbing an early lead?
Can Arrieta dominate again?
Last year's NL Cy Young winner will be making his second start of the series, and showed his dominance by leading the Cubs to a win in Cleveland in Game 2. He no-hit the Indians through the first five innings of that game, and finished with just two hits given up in 5.2 innings pitched. Given the importance of a hot start for both teams, Chicago is hoping for a similar performance from one of their aces.
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Projected starters
Cubs
CF Dexter Fowler
DH Kyle Schwarber
3B Kris Bryant
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Ben Zobrist
2B Javier Baez
C Willson Contreras
RF Jason Heyward
SS Addison Russell
SP Jake Arrieta
Indians
LF Rajai Davis
2B Jason Kipnis
SS Francisco Lindor
1B Mike Napoli
DH Carlos Santana
3B Jose Ramirez
RF Lonnie Chisenhall
C Roberto Perez
CF Tyler Naquin
SP Josh Tomlin
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