Photos: Cubs Handle Indians, 5-1, Tie World Series 1-1

By Stephen Gossett in News on Oct 27, 2016 3:12AM

We’ll second that.

As happy as fans were to forget Game One of the Cubs’ decades-in-waiting return to World Series play, they’ll be just as glad to savor Game Two. The Cubs evened the series one game apiece with strong bats and superb pitching, 5-1. Chicago put up nine hits, and starter Jake Arrieta went 5 1/3 innings before surrendering a hit in the win.

Anthony Rizzo opened the scoring early, lining an RBI double to right that scored Kris Bryant easily from first in the opening frame. Most memorably, Kyle Schwarber—who missed almost all of the regular season before his dramatic return in Game One—smacked a run-scoring single to center on a 3-0 count in the third inning. The city might still be cheering that one.

The biggest surge came in the Cubs’ three-run fifth inning: red-hot Ben Zobrist delivered an RBI triple deep to right field, Schwarber—No. 12 in your programs, No. 1 in your hearts—singled to score Zobrist, and even Cleveland reliever Bryan Shaw helped out by walking in a run with the bases loaded.

Jake Arrieta was outstanding, allowing only two hits and one run while striking out six through his 5 2/3 innings.

Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer didn’t bleed out on the mound this time, but his pitch count was certainly battered by the Cubs. Chicago chased Bauer after only 3 2/3 innings, tagging him for two earned runs on six hits.

The series now heads to Chicago for Game Three on Friday night (7 p.m.), where the Cubs are highly favored, as NL Cy Young hopeful Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to face Cleveland’s third starter, Josh Tomlin. Even if you can’t find a Wrigleyville bar without admission comparable to the price of a used car, it’s gonna be a spectacular homecoming.