National Sports

Chicago Cubs win World Series for the first time since 1908

CHICAGO — After waiting since 1908 for a World Series title, the potential for misery became even more acute for the Cubs when they failed to close out a victory after needing only four outs to fulfill their long-awaited quest.

From manager Joe Maddon's use of the pitching staff to Javier Baez's failed one-out bunt attempt with a 3-2 count and the go-ahead run at third base in the ninth inning, the Cubs absorbed enough pain to last another century.

But the wait was well worth the ultimate reward Wednesday night when the Cubs rallied for two runs in the 10th inning after a 17-minute rain delay to take an 8-7 victory over the Indians in Game 7 that accomplished their mission that started in spring training.

The Cubs became the first team since the 1979 Pirates to overcome a 3-1 Series deficit by winning their final two games on the road.

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They did so after blowing leads of 5-1 and 6-3, with the biggest punch occurring when fatigued closer Aroldis Chapman surrendered a two-run, game-tying homer to Rajai Davis that caused Progressive Field to shake.

But the Cubs got off the deck with an array of contributors. Kyle Schwarber capped his amazing recovery from left knee surgery when he led off the 10th with a single off Bryan Shaw. Then pinch-running rookie Albert Almora Jr. showed the smarts of a veteran when he tagged and advance to second on Kris Bryant's deep fly to right-center field.

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Indians manager Terry Francona walked Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell intentionally and paid the price. Ben Zobrist poked a double down the left-field line to score Almora with the go-ahead run, and Miguel Montero followed Russell's walk with a poked RBI single past a drawn-in infield.

Before the playoffs started, Maddon reminded his players that there would be some setbacks. That proved true, especially when Chapman, pitching for the third consecutive game despite throwing four innings and 62 pitches during that stretch, allowed a two-run, game-tying home run to Rajai Davis with two out in the eighth.

The Cubs put the go-ahead run at third with one out in the ninth, but Baez fouled a bunt attempt on a 3-2 pitch for the second out. Shortstop Francisco Lindor then ranged far to his left to take a hit away from Dexter Fowler and leave Jason Heyward stranded at third.

It was an ominous sign when starting pitchers Jake Arrieta, John Lackey and Jon Lester walked from the dugout to the bullpen before the start of the third — before starter Kyle Hendricks settled down to retire seven consecutive batters.

But Hendricks was pulled after walking Carlos Santana and falling one out short of qualifying for the victory with a 5-1 lead. Instead of summoning left-handed reliever Mike Montgomery, Maddon called on Lester, who threw six innings and 90 pitches on Sunday.

A 25-foot single and throwing error by catcher David Ross, who entered the game at the same time as Lester, set the stage for a two-run wild pitch that raised eyebrows about why Hendricks was pulled after only 63 pitches and why Lester was used despite making only three previous relief appearances in his entire career.

Lester settled down and allowed only one hit until Jose Ramirez hit singled off the glove of shortstop Russell with two out in the eighth.

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Before the game, Maddon said he believed Chapman was good for about 30 to 40 pitches despite his heavy workload.

But Chapman's triple-digit fastball dipped some and Brandon Guyer ripped a double to right-center to score Ramirez. Then Davis homered on a 97 mph Chapman fastball to tie the game at 6.

The Cubs held a 6-3 lead thanks to home runs from Dexter Fowler, Baez and Ross. In addition, rookie Willson Contreras snapped a 1-for-18 rut when he ripped a two-out RBI double to cap a two-run fourth.

Redemption was even greater for Baez, who was in the midst of a 4-for-26 slump and committed two errors in the first three innings.

Baez, who was swinging wildly at pitches out of the strike zone in a slump reminiscent of his 2014 rookie season when he struck out 95 times in only 213 at-bats, ripped an opposite-field home run to right-center to knock out once-dominant Indians starter Corey Kluber leading off the fifth.

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