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3 Takeaways From Cleveland Indians’ Game 6 Loss

By Ryan Rosko

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin is relieved in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin is relieved in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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From the get-go, the Cleveland Indians’ play led them to not being able to win it all tonight.

Tonight’s Game 6 was back in Cleveland, but the home field advantage aspect did not do any favors for the Cleveland Indians. Even though the game was one sided in favor of the Chicago Cubs as they came away with a 9-3 win, plenty stood out tonight.

Tomlin Did Not Do His Job

Cleveland’s starter Josh Tomlin had a talented bullpen to help him starting in the middle of the game. However, the Tribe’s bullpen was needed much sooner as Tomlin was very ineffective.

He failed to get out of the third inning after getting hit hard. Tomlin went 2 2/3 innings, giving up six hits, six runs (all earned), as well as a home run. Giving up home runs were something he could not afford doing, especially since Tomlin was among the leaders of the most homers given up during the season.

Chicago star third baseman Kris Bryant was the one who hit the homer off of Tomlin. From there everything started to spin out of control.

Tomlin and company were not able to stop anything and before we knew it, Tomlin put Cleveland in a hole they were not able to get out of. Thankfully, Cleveland did not have to use their best relievers tonight and the ones that were used should still be available tomorrow.

Without Kipnis, Cleveland’s Performance Would Have Been Much Uglier

Second baseman Jason Kipnis was a one man show for the Indians. Unfortunately, he did not get enough at-bats to do enough damage to lead Cleveland to a win. Kipnis went three for five with two runs and a solo home run.

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Not only was Kipnis impressive at the dish, but he also made a number of impressive play on defenses. The Indians simply could not anything on offense outside of Kipnis for nearly the whole game.

That is understandable given Chicago starter Jake Arrieta was on the mound, but that is no excuse. Arrieta went 5 2/3 innings, giving up three hits, two runs (both earned), and striking out nine. What perhaps was the most frustrating aspect of Cleveland’s lack of performance was their hits.

Already being down multiple runs added extra pressure and anxiety early. That said, Kipnis tried to decrease that every chance he could get. He was the one who finally got Cleveland’s first hit in the fourth inning.

From there, not much else was exciting for Indians fans. However, Kipnis is the reason they at least made the game somewhat competitive; In addition to catcher Roberto Perez‘s RBI single in the ninth. Had Kipnis started up some momentum, the Cubs easily would have had a shutout win.

If Cleveland wants to win the championship Wednesday night, the offense cannot afford to put up only two or three runs.

Can Cubs’ Offense Be Stopped In Game 7?

Game 6 showcased the Cubs’ offense that we were familiar with seeing in the regular season. Their offense deserves credit for what they did tonight, but can it really continue? Hopefully not for the Indians and their fans.

Scoring nine runs is impressive in the World Series, but remember their lineup is loaded. Also, keep in mind that the Indians have been shorthanded with their starting pitching which certainly helped their success.

The Cubs’ lineup in Game 7 should be very similar to that of Game 6. Regardless, they will have their hands full with Cleveland starter Corey Kluber. He has been lights out this series. Had the Indians won tonight, Kluber very well could have been named World Series MVP.

Even if he provides just a solid outing, such an accomplishment is very well in reach. Game 7’s chess match will be on another level. In less than 24 hours, one organization will be World Series Champions. Who it will be dictated on will be determined by how well Kluber does early on.

Next: Cubs Player Thinks Teammates Are Nervous

As great as Chicago’s offense has been, Kluber is one of the best for a reason. It is hard to imagine he, along with the Indians bullpen not maintaining their success versus the Cubs. Get ready Cleveland fans, expect another championship!

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