Cleveland Indians Need to Ride Corey Kluber, Andrew Miller Tonight
By David Hill
There are few things as exciting as Game Seven in the World Series. If the Cleveland Indians have any hope of winning the title, they need to ride their two best pitchers from the postseason tonight.
Here it is. Game Seven of the Worlds Series. This is a game where legends are made, and reputations burnished. Players like Bill Mazeroski, Bret Saberhagen, and Jack Morris have gone down in the legends of the game from their heroics in in such a contest. It is a game quite unlike any other.
For the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs, this Game Seven has added meaning. Yes, the World Series is on the line, which makes the game special, but there is more to it for these two squads. With the longest active streaks of any team to not win the championship, both the Indians and the Cubs are staring down the ghosts of the past.
With Cleveland, Game Seven is set up perfectly. Corey Kluber, who is doing his best Madison Bumgarner impression, is heading to the mound. Behind him is Andrew Miller, who has been virtually unhittable this postseason. Terry Francona could not have set up his pitching staff any better for tonight.
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As there is literally no tomorrow, it is the time to empty the reserves, firing every bullet possible. For the Cleveland Indians, that means that this is the perfect time to ride their two best arms this postseason. Kluber has been a force this postseason, with a 0.89 ERA and a 0.989 WHiP, striking out 35 batters in 30.1 innings.
For as dominant as Kluber has been, Andrew Miller has been even better. He has allowed only one run in his 17 innings, allowing 12 base runners while striking out 29 batters. No one has had an answer for either pitcher this postseason, giving Francona a lethal combination for the deciding game.
This is the perfect time to use them. Kluber will go as far as he can tonight, and, if he gets into any trouble, there is Miller waiting in the wings. The Cubs, as the saying goes, will be out of the frying pan and into the fire. Both Kluber and Miller can add to their postseason legacy, joining the ranks of players whose performances in Game Seven made them immortal.
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If the Chicago Cubs are going to win the World Series, they are going to need to earn it. With Corey Kluber and Andrew Miller rested and waiting, the Cleveland Indians appear to have the advantage for Game Seven.