Schwarber, Cubs even World Series with solid victory in Game 2
It looks like the best-of-seven set that's all about reversing curses -- yes, plural -- might turn into the grudge match everybody was wishing for entering this uber-intriguing World Series.
Kyle Schwarber continued his surprising Fall Classic magic with a pair of clutch RBI hits and Jake Arrieta tossed 5 2/3 near-dominant innings as the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 5-1 to even the World Series at 1-1 on Wednesday night.
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Anthony Rizzo got things started for Chicago, connecting on an RBI double in the first inning off Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer to plate fellow National League MVP candidate Kris Bryant. The Cubs doubled their advantage in the third, when Schwarber singled to center and brought in Rizzo, who worked a walk and moved to second off a Ben Zobrist base hit.
Zobrist started a three-run fifth with an RBI triple, and Schwarber struck again by driving in Zobrist. After Willson Contreras reached on an error by Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis, Jorge Soler walked and then Addison Russell drew another to force in a run, forging a 5-0 lead.
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Meanwhile, Arrieta was nothing short of brilliant for five frames, holding the powerful Indians offense hitless one night after they cruised to a 6-0 win in Game 1. The reigning NL Cy Young winner finally surrendered a double to Kipnis with one out in the sixth, and after Kipnis moved to third following a groundout, Arrieta unleashed a wild pitch that finally put the opposition on the board.
Mike Montgomery followed up by pitching two scoreless innings in relief and closer Aroldis Chapman recorded four outs to seal the win.
On Friday night, Kyle Hendricks will try to make it two in a row for Chicago, which hasn't won a title since 1908, in Game 3 in the Windy City.
