Cubs Win Game 5, World Series Will Return to Cleveland

CHICAGO, IL — The Indians won 2 out of 3 games at Wrigley Field in Chicago and the World Series will be coming back to Cleveland for Game 6 and possibly Game 7 if necessary.

The Cubs faced elimination if they didn't win on Sunday and they finally gave their fans — and the baseball history books — something they'd been missing for 71 years: a World Series victory at Wrigley Field.

Thanks to strong performances by starting pitcher John Lester and closer Aroldis Chapman, the Cubs beat the Tribe in Game 5 on Sunday, 3-2, keeping their hopes for a World Series crown alive for one more game.

The series — which the Indians lead 3-2 — now comes home to Progressive Field on Tuesday.

Chicago's win Sunday was the first World Series victory for the team at Wrigley Field since Oct. 8, 1945. After the win, the players briefly filed back out to the field to salute the celebrating fans still in the stands.

Like the previous games in the series, offense came at a premium for both teams. Lester scattered four hits and struck out five over six innings, and was the first pitcher to strikeout the side in a world series game since 1996.

But it was Chapman's lights-out appearance on the mound that sealed the game for Chicago. He struck out four and gave up one hit in 2 2/3 innings of work.

The teams have a travel day Monday and resume the series Tuesday. With the last two games in an American League park, slugger Kyle Schwarber will return to the Cubs lineup as the designated hitter.

Chicago Cubs 3, Cleveland Indians 2

Cleveland leads the best-of-seven series, 3-2. Check out Chicago Patch's Game 5 updates for the stories outside the foul lines.

W: John Lester | L: Trevor Bauer

Where Things Went Wrong: The fourth inning. Cubs hitters finally were able to sustain a rally during a game at Wrigley Field. The Cubs started with a solo shot from third baseman Kris Bryant, followed by a double to deep right by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who advanced to third on a single by Ben Zobrist. Shortstop Addison Russell then singled to score Rizzo, and catcher David Ross hit a sacrifice fly after second baseman Javier Baez reached on a bunt single.

Moment the Cubs Would Like to Forget: Third baseman Jose Ramirez hit a 383-foot home run to left field in the second inning, giving Cleveland the first run of the game. The homer had many Cubs fans worried they were in for a long night. That is, until the bottom of the fourth inning rolled around.

Wins Needed to Break the Curse: 2

Next Game: Cubs at Indians, 8:08 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1

More from Patch's Cleveland Indians World Series Coverage:

• Cleveland Indians vs. Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series Tickets Most Expensive Ever
• Charlie Sheen Gets Into Character for "Go Tribe" Message
• Save the Date! Another Post-Season Baseball Wedding Has Been Announced! See the Buck-Schwarber Wedding Registry
• Cleveland Orchestra Wishes Tribe Good Luck With Rousing Performance
• Best 5 Bob Uecker lines from 'Major League'
• Tom Hanks Love the Tribe and is Willing to Fight You Over It

Written by Joe Vince

Photo by Rick Uldricks/Patch