The Cleveland Indians Still Have All the Momentum

The Chicago Cubs picked up the franchise’s first World Series win at Wrigley Field since 1945, but the Cleveland Indians have the momentum as the series heads back to Cleveland.

To the casual outside observer, the Cleveland Indians are getting in the way of a Chicago Cubs World Series title.

That’s right. The Cubs are only two wins away from a title, although the Indians are one win away, which seems more relevant right now. But once again, Cleveland jokes seem to be more important than actual, logical coverage.

So while the national media continues to obsess over the Cubs, the Indians need just one win to win the franchise’s first title since 1948.

The team is in a perfect position, now back at home for two potential games. After the Cubs stole home-field advantage with a Game 2 victory, the Indians got it back with two wins in Chicago.

Some fans may be worrying about having to face Jake Arrieta, but the Indians have Josh Tomlin going, who should be worrying Cubs fans just as much. Tomlin went 4 2/3 scoreless innings in a Game 3 victory, showing nerves of steel at Wrigley Field.

The attitude given off by the team is the opposite of scared, as this team knows they have the momentum in the series. The Cubs will once again be facing elimination, and will have to take more risks than the Indians.

Aroldis Chapman coming in with one out in the seventh inning in Game 5 was a perfect example of the risks the Cubs have to take. It ended up paying off, but if the Indians could have tied the game, the Cubs would have been without their best reliever, while the Indians still had Andrew Miller waiting in the bullpen.

Miller got some much-needed rest, meaning he will be able to go as long as needed in Tuesday’s Game 6. His presence on the team helps with the overall confidence surrounding this 3-2 lead in the series, as any lead as early as the fourth inning could be enough to doom the Cubs.

The Indians have already shutout the Cubs twice in five games, with Tomlin being the starter in one of those. Corey Kluber was the starter in the other, and he is ready to go in a potential Game 7. So at least on paper, the Indians have the early advantage over the Cubs. Factor in home-field advantage and a 3-2 lead, and this team should be considered the favorite to win the series.

Next: Formula for Winning Game 6 is Clear

And even though the Cubs are indeed two wins away from a title, the Indians only need one. It’s the year of Cleveland against the world, and one more win should help to permanently end the Cleveland curse jokes.