World Series’ Game One Belongs to Indians

By Francisco Romero

Yes, it seems like the return of the Chicago Cubs to the World Series after a 71 year hiatus are making all the headlines, but let’s not forget the Cleveland Indians as they are looking to win the Fall Classic for the first time since 1948.

Tuesday was the prime example of why we should not take the Indians for granted. Cleveland took the first game of the World Series (best-of-seven) by beating the Cubs 6-0.

The Indians not only beat the Cubs win excellent pitching, but with catcher Roberto Perez power as he hit two home runs to help Cleveland take the series lead.

Indian’s ace Corey Kluber pitched 6-shutout inning, allowing only 4 Cubs hits, while striking out 9.

After the game Indians’ manager Terry Francona praised his starting pitcher (Kluber), specially the way he has pitched during the post season, “I think he’s a good pitcher all the time. I mean, I think for the last three years he’s been pretty good. In these playoffs he’s been about as good as — and we need him and we’re going to need him more.”

Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon seemed positive after the game, even after the loss, “I mean, I’m not disappointed by any means except for the fact that we did not win. I thought we came out ready to play. They pitched well. The first inning hurt. The walks, not even the dribbler or the hit batter. It was the walks prior to that that really hurt us. And then their nine hole hitter Perez kicked us, man. He drove in four points today, so give him a lot of credit,” said Maddon after the game.

Indians’ catcher Perez talked about his feelings after his two-homerun performance, “it means a lot. I’ve come a long ways. I’m just playing with a lot of confidence right now. I’m not trying to do too much at the plate. I’m just trying to control my emotions.”

Game 2 of the World Series will be played on Wednesday in Cleveland at 4:00 pm (Mountain Time).