Chapman, Cubs stop Indians, cut World Series deficit to 3-2

The Indians are still only one win away from their first World Series victory since 1948 despite losing 3-2 Sunday against the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 at Wrigley Field.

“There was all kinds of drama out there”, Maddon said.

Miller got some much-needed rest, meaning he will be able to go as long as needed in Tuesday’s Game 6. The Indians had yet to announce a starter.

The Indians are never sure what they’ll get from Bauer, who began the season in Cleveland’s bullpen before joining the rotation in late April. “We’re not sure what that means but we expect Trevor to go out there He’s a competitor”.

It was the first three-run World Series homer by an opposing player at Wrigley Field since Babe Ruth’s famous “called shot” in 1932, when the New York Yankees legend pointed to the outfield bleachers and smashed the next pitch into the stands.

“I thought maybe the first game here with all the hoopla going on, it may have had somewhat of an impact for our young guys”, Maddon said. “He asked if I could be ready possibly to come into the seventh inning, and obviously I told him, ‘I’m ready. He is actually fresh, hasn’t been overused in the last part of the season or in the playoffs”.

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona has seen firsthand how passionate Cleveland fans can be.

“It’s just like any other game where you feel comfortable with the game plan”, Arrieta said of this start.

Cleveland threatened again in the eighth thanks to a mental error by Chapman, who failed to cover first base after Rizzo made a diving stop of a Rajai Davis grounder.

“Chappy coming in and doing what he has been doing for us since he came over here, and even before that, is pretty unbelievable to see”, said Cubs starter and victor Jon Lester, a two-time World Series champion. We’ve got to do whatever we can to win the ballgame tomorrow and that’s it. But Chapman again evaded trouble, getting Jason Kipnis to fly out and striking out Lindor.

Things were easier in the ninth.

“Why not us?” Bryant said. Nobody ever runs into the bat rack when Chapman comes into a game.

Plenty is at stake back in Cleveland, but in less than a day however, the Indians could be World Series Champions.

It was their first home victory in the Fall Classic since 1945, staving off elimination as the series moves back to Cleveland for Game 6 on Tuesday night. Jake Arrieta notched a 5-1 win Wednesday night in Game 2, taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning and fanning six in 5 2/3 innings and 98 pitches.

Bauer gave up six hits and struck out seven without a walk.

This really is the game that could change the course of the series. Sunday, he threw 42.

“Just think about Game 6”.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who followed Bryant’s blast with a double off the wall in right and came around to score, had a different take on the mounting tension in the win-or-go-home thriller.

“He works so hard to be good”, Francona said. It’s awesome what it does to your team.

“Just an unreal job by Kluber on three days’ rest”, Lindor said.