The Cubs offense came alive in the fourth inning, sparked by an unlikely bunt single by Ben Zobrist. After a couple of weakly hit singles from Baez and Contreras and an RBI grounder from Heyward, Addison Russell connected on a long home run to pretty much ice up the game. An inning later, Rizzo launched one to center field to put the Cubs up 5-0.
Lackey pitched pretty well for four innings, then walked the first two batters in the fifth. Maddon was ready with a quick hook. Lackey did not look any too happy to be pulled, but it was the right call by Maddon. The two walks eventually scored when Montgomery could not field or get his glove out of the way of a routine double play ball, but it didn't much matter after the Cubs added five more runs in the next inning to put the game out of reach.
It was good to see the team return to form and to add several sparkling defensive plays as well. Roberts announced after the game that he would not start Kershaw Thursday night. Unless something goes terribly awry, Lester will match up against Maeda and the Cubs will probably return to Wrigley Field with a one game advantage and the task of winning one of the two home games to advance.
Baseball is a funny game, full of tricks and turns. The best team doesn't always win a short series, but the Cubs right now are the best team and you have to like their chances. Meanwhile the Indians, somewhat surprisingly, made short work of the Blue Jays, winning the series 4-1. For some bizarre reason known only to Bud Selig, the Indians will have home field advantage in the World Series.
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