For the second game in a row, the Indians will look to become World Series champions as the Cubs look just to stay alive. This time it’s different, however, as the Indians not only have home field advantage, but the control master Josh Tomlin on the mound.
Tomlin last pitched in the World Series in game three, when he went 4.2 innings and allowed just two hits as part of a 1-0 win in Wrigley. Andrew Miller, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen finished the last 4.1 innings in that one and Terry Francona will likely look to a similar formula to win tonight.
While the goal in the last game was to hit the Cubs with Tomlin’s curveball over and over again, it didn’t necessarily work quite that way as they were able to generally lay off the pitch in the second third and fourth innings. They were extremely aggressive against Tomlin and often didn’t get deep enough in the count for him to make use of it. For example, in the third inning he faced three hitters and threw just nine pitches; all fast balls.
If Tomlin had one problem that game, it was his lack of command even though he walked just one. The Indians would be happy to see a repeat performance, but if he can get back that command, it greatly increases his chances of going five or even six innings.
Jake Arrieta, who started and won game two, will also have his primary focus on command. His walks have been his greatest downfall in the post-season and he put three Indians runners on for free in his first start. He did strike out six that game, however, and the Indians will have to be patient to take full advantage. Here, as well as with Tomlin, the accuracy of Joe West behind the plate will come into play.
Arrieta could face a similar line-up as last time, but there is also the chance that Francona will opt for the greater defense, particularly considering Tyler Naquin‘s struggles at the plate, and move Rajai Davis from the bench into center field. If he does this, Rajai could bat at the bottom of the line-up, but after stealing three bases in game five, he may want him near the top where he can potentially disrupt Arrieta more effectively. Francona will certainly be happier about the defense just by getting Carlos Santana out of left field and back in the line-up as either the first baseman or DH.
The Cubs also benefit from the return of the DH as their bat only player, Kyle Schwarber, can return to the lineup. He didn’t face Tomlin last time, pinch hitting later in the game, and he didn’t play at all in the final two in Chicago, but was big in game two. In the Cubs’ first win in the World Series, Schwarber went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI and a run scored. He did strike out in his other two at bats and twice in game one as well, so there’s no question his timing is not back completely and it could be even worse, having not played since 10/28. Tomlin could very well be able to neutralize Schwaber, but there is no question that the Cubs are better with him in the line-up than with him on the bench being able to be used only once.
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