Chicago Cubs Lineup – World Series Game 6: Schwarber Batting Second, Arrieta on the Hill

Tonight is HUGE, no question about it. I’m personally a wreck, teetering between excitement and anxiety, mostly anxiety. Jake Arrieta will take the ball tonight in the biggest game of his life, no doubt. If he comes out tonight and dominates the way he’s capable of then how could you not love the Cubs chances of getting to game 7. It’s something we all know Jake has the ability to do and something we’re all hoping to see happen.

Josh Tomlin is pitching for the Indians tonight. The righty has a 4.58 lifetime ERA in the majors but he’s managed to post a 1.76 ERA so far this season. The big question will be whether Tomlin can continue this streak or if perhaps his postseason luck has run out.

Joe Maddon is going with a lineup tonight that is very similar to the one he went with in Tomlin’s first start this series, with two big exceptions. First, Kyle Schwarber is batting second – a spot normally reserved for Kris Bryant – while Bryant & team bump down a spot. Wow, that’s intriguing!! This maximizes the number of at-bats for Kyle and puts together a huge hurdle for the Indians pitching staff with Schwarber, Bryant, Rizzo back-to-back-to-back. I love it.

Jason Heyward gets the start in right field. I won’t dodge it, I’m a huge fan of having Heyward in the lineup at all times. The guy is too important on defense to sit and his bat has the potential to be a game-changer for the Cubs.

Who will be the hero tonight for the Cubs? Only one way to find out.

Here’s the rest of your Chicago Cubs World Series lineup for tonight’s game: