Final Score World Series Game 3 – Indians 1, Cubs 0: Cubs Fall Short in Tight Pitching Duel

It was one of those games. And of course, you hate having one of those games during the World Series. Kyle Hendricks battled through 4 1/3 innings, giving up six hits but his defense stepped up to prevent any runs from scoring, including when he picked off Francisco Lindor with one out and two on in the first inning.

In the seventh inning the Cubs could no longer hold off the Indians. Coco Crisp came on to pinch hit for Andrew Miller – which led to a collective sigh of relief from the Cubs’ contingent – and he singled to drive in Michael Martinez, who had reached third base after a single and subsequent wild pitch by Carl Edwards.

That was all the Indians would need tonight. The Cubs finished 0-for-7 with runners is scoring position and could not string together two consecutive hits all night. They only managed to get more than one runner on base in one inning, the ninth. It made for an exciting finish but Javier Baez’ strike out ended the threat.

It was a game that had that ‘one swing could change it all’ feel. But, with the wind gusting out, the Cubs couldn’t get the ball up in the air and now they’re down 2-1 to the Indians (Box Score).

It’s a long series, just one of those games.

Stats that matter

  • Hendricks allowed too many baserunners but hung in to keep the game scoreless – 4.1IP, 0R, 6H, 2BB, 6Ks
  • Carl Edwards lost the feel in his second inning pitched – 1.2IP, 1R, 2H, 1BB, 1K
  • The Cubs had 7 opportunities with runners in scoring position while the Indians had only 5 chances. The Indians were able to take advantage of their chances. The Cubs couldn’t.

Bottom line

In a game where the wind was gusting out at over 20 MPH, the last thing you’d ever expect would be a low scoring game. Well, that’s what we got tonight, much to the surprise of over 41,000 fans packed into Wrigley Field. Now, the Cubs will face a near must-win game on Saturday. It should be a good test of the Cubs mettle.

Next up

The Cubs and Indians clash in game four of the World Series on Saturday at 7:08 PM CT on FOX. John Lackey will match up against the Indians number one pitcher, Corey Kluber.

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