The Cleveland Indians lead the 2016 World Series 2-1 after they shutout the Cubs 1-0 in Game 3 from Wrigley Field on Friday night.
Chicago has mysteriously lost its hitting groove. The Cubs pitching along with its defense was present for Game 3 in a loss as the Indians could muster just one run over nine innings.
However, that one run was enough for the Indians to take back home field advantage after losing it in Game 2 when the Cubs won 5-1.
Chicago hitters could only muster five hits on the night. Jorge Soler’s triple was the only extra base hit that should have been for less if it had not been misplayed ball down the right field line.
Chicago manager Joe Maddon gave the pitching staff of the Indians the credit for holding the Cubs offense in check. However, he did say when you reach this point of the season you need to beat the best of the best.
Chicago left fielder Ben Zobrist did say that the Cubs hitters had made very good contact on some balls but they were hit right at Indians defenders.
The Cubs offense has been shutout this postseason on 4 occasions but this one may turn out to be the biggest. Chicago now must face Corey Kluber the ace for Cleveland in Game 4. Another loss by Chicago would put them in a 3-1 hole and on the brink of losing the series.
Kluber shut the Cubs down in Game 1. On short rest, he will face the Cubs in Game 1. If the series were to go a full seven games, they would have to face Kluber not only in Game 4 but again in Game 7 making a Game 4 win that much more important.
Chicago had a few chances as well, they had a leadoff single during the second inning, but nothing after that. A walk led off the fourth and a single in the fifth but nothing afterwards. The Soler triple in the seventh left pinch runner Jason Heyward on third when Javier Baez struck out.
Kris Bryant came up in the eighth with Dexter Fowler on base but he struck out. Anthony Rizzo led off with a single in the ninth but still could not push a run across to send it to extra innings.
