Perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the man called Klubot was unfazed by the pressure of his first World Series start.
On the national stage, Corey Kluber was historically good, becoming the first pitcher ever to strike out eight hitters through the first three innings of a game in the postseason. Further, his nine strikeouts were the most ever by an Indians pitcher the World Series. However, Kluber was just as good after three innings, and with the help of a little run support, exited with the lead and a final line of 6 IP, 9 K, 4 H, 0 BB.
Kluber’s command was at its best Tuesday night, as he painted the edges of the plate, often locking up lefty hitters with two-seamer that ran back over the inside corner for called third strikes, seen in the Vine below.
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Usually, Kluber racks up strikeouts with swings-and-misses on his breaking ball, but of his nine strikeouts, six were looking. The only hits allowed by Kluber through six innings – a second inning double by Ben Zobrist, a third inning single by David Ross, a fourth inning double to Kyle Schwarber – were the only baserunners he allowed in the innings, so Kluber largely avoided any tight situations.
Kluber was replaced by Andrew Miller after allowing a leadoff single to Ben Zobrist in the 7th inning.
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