A Tip of the Recap – World Series Game 6 (Cubs 9, Wahoos 3)
THE CUBS ARE 1 WIN AWAY FROM WINNING THE WORLD SERIES!!! Fly the W, and sing that damn song all night long!
W: Jake Arrieta (5.2 IP 3 H 2 ER 3 BB 9 K)
L: Josh Tomlin (2.1 IP 6 H 6 ER 1 BB 0 K)
MVP: Addison Russell
WOW, what a way to start a game! After two quick outs in the top of the 1st inning, Josh Tomlin started hanging pitches all over the place and the Cubs took advantage. Kris Bryant smashed a hanging curve over the wall in left center and Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, and Addison Russell all strung hits together to give the Cubs an early three-run lead. Russell also hit a grand slam in the top of the 3rd right after Josh Tomlin exited the game to extend the lead to 7-0.
The Wahoos threatened in the bottom of the 4th and loaded the bases with two outs, but Jake Arrieta was able to limit the damage to one run by throwing fastballs by Tyler Naquin. Jason Kipnis tacked on another run with a solo shot in the bottom of the 5th, and the Wahoos tallied one more in the bottom of the 9th inning.
Joe Maddon brought Aroldis Chapman into the game in the 7th inning with two outs. He ended up lasting until he gave up a baserunner in the bottom of the 9th, throwing 20 pitches in all, so he’ll undoubtedly be available for Wednesday’s game.
The Good
The offense really exploded early and gave Arrieta a comfortable lead with which to work. Russell lead the way with a homer, a double, and 6 RBI. The middle of the order (Bryant, Rizzo, Zobrist, and Russell) provided all the offense the Cubs needed to force a Game 7, going 11-for-19 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI.
Jason Heyward made an impressive play in the bottom of the 4th by snagging a sinking line drive off of the bat of Jose Ramirez. As long as he can provide top-notch defense, how he performs at the plate is almost irrelevant.
Kris Bryant had an awesome game, going 4-for-5 with a run batted in and a run scored.
Anthony Rizzo also looked great and went 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored and two runs batted in on a long bomb.
The Bad
Jake Arrieta struggled with control issues at times in the game, particularly in the 4th inning when the Wahoos scored their firsst run. Overall, he pitched well enough to ensure the Cubs won the game.
Josh Tomlin was very bad and the Cubs hit him hard.
Coming Attractions
There will be a Game 7, folks! Kyle Hendricks will face Corey Kluber for all the marbles. First pitch is scheduled for 7 pm Central. Hold onto your butts!