3 Predictions For The Cleveland Indians In Game 7
By Ryan Rosko
Tonight history will be made regardless of the outcome. For history to be on the Cleveland Indians’ side, the following would be ideal to happen.
For the Cleveland Indians to stop their streak without a championship, plenty has to work in their favor. Of everything that could be needed, here are a few things I expect in tonight’s game.
Mike Napoli Delivers When It Matters
The Indians’ first baseman/designated hitter was a key reason why Cleveland is in the position they are in. However, if a reset button was real, Napoli would have pressed it by now.
He has not provided the production Cleveland could benefit from in this series. As a result, the Indians have either struggled to get anything going or in random bursts scored runs.
When the latter has occurred, it did not always lead to a win. Fellow Site Expert Nick Dudukovich broke down why Napoli needs a good game and how tonight and this series could impact his free agency.
Related Story: Napoli Needs A Good Game
In the 2016 World Series, Napoli has a .211 batting average through six games. He has four hits, but eight strikeouts are also part of his stat line. Tonight, Napoli sets the tone on offense and goes two for four with a home run and two RBI.
Corey Kluber Dominates Again And Is Significantly Rewarded
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Stating pitcher Corey Kluber has been lights out during this World Series. Having already pitched two games, the “Klubot” will attempt to keep up his success in the last game of the season.
In those two outings, Kluber has a 2-0 record with a 0.75 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 12 innings. Kluber also has a 0.833 WHIP.
The more Kluber pitches, the more it benefits Cleveland. Not only is that because the Tribe has their best starter on the mound, but it is also because he becomes more dominant verses when he faces teams for the third time. The following stat speaks for itself:
Even if this goes to Game 7, check out this Tom Verducci stat from late in Game 4, on Corey Kluber in third starts vs. teams in 2016: pic.twitter.com/YFv37cEvUE
— Monte the Color Man (@Monte_Colorman) October 31, 2016
His run of success will continue tonight. The Chicago Cubs will get a heavy dose of Kluber again as he goes six innings, giving up four hits, two earned runs, while striking out eight. As a result, his performance leads Cleveland to the championship and is the World Series MVP.
How Is The Game Won?
As described above, Kluber will continue to do his thing. Meanwhile, Napoli will finally make a positive impact. That said, if Kluber is giving up two runs, and Napoli ends up with two RBI, then a low scoring game would be upon us.
So, something will have to happen late to give Cleveland the necessary run to win the game. The player that makes the decisive run happen is shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Lindor has been a force at the plate, but he will clinch the necessary run instead on the base path. Chicago’s catchers have thrown him out multiple times this series and is not afraid to throw the ball around the diamond. With that, tonight is going to be different and the Cubs will regret that approach.
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Lindor will eventually get to third base. Due to the temptation of trying to keep him on base, Chicago will again throw the ball down to the base in hopes of picking Lindor off. Only this time, Chicago will throw the ball erratically causing an error as we watch the ball makes it way down to left field, allowing Lindor to score.