Cleveland Indians Fittingly Tie Chicago Cubs in World Series Rematch

The Cleveland Indians took on the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in some spring training action, and the game ended in a fitting matter.

Just as Cleveland Indians fans began to move past the 2016 World Series, the Indians had another matchup with the Chicago Cubs.

This game was just a spring training contest, so it is hard to say it was a true rematch. However, the game ending in a 1-1 tie was fitting given how the World Series ended last November.

The offense didn’t show up for either team on Sunday, but there were positives to take away from the pitching staff. Namely, Danny Salazar looked great in two innings of action, striking out three batters and only allowing one hit.

He looked like he was ready for the regular season, which is a great sign considering it is only February. It was also nice to see him pitching freely after dealing with some arm issues last season. He was able to return for two relief appearances in the World Series, but the Indians need him as a starter in 2017.

Shawn Morimando also looked solid, pitching two innings and striking out two batters. He did allow one run, but he still remains a realistic option to make the major league squad if anyone goes down at any point during the season.

While some may consider this even a semblance of a World Series rematch, the true rematch won’t happen until October, if it happens at all.

The two teams will meet up in Arizona on March 24 and March 27, but it is hard to even call it a rematch after the intensity seen last October and November.

The goal for both teams is to return to the World Series, and that seems like a very realistic possibility given how both teams are still the favorites to come out of their respective leagues.

Sunday’s game was nothing more than a showcase for some players trying to earn roster spots, but the game ending in a tie was an appropriate way for it to end after the battle between the two teams in 2016.

Next: Breaking down the 25-man roster

The tie means nothing in the grand scheme of the 2017 season, but it will be an interesting footnote if both teams meet up in October once again.