Cubs jump out to big lead to start Game 6 of World Series behind Addison Russell's grand slam
CLEVELAND – The air of anticipation surrounding what could have been the Cleveland Indians’ first World Series title in 68 years quickly evaporated Tuesday with a couple booming home runs and a misplayed fly ball.
The Chicago Cubs jumped out to a 3-0 lead before the Indians even came to bat on Kris Bryant’s solo home run off Josh Tomlin in the top of the first. They added to the lead on a strange play in which Indians outfielders Tyler Naquin and Lonnie Chisenhall let a shallow fly ball off the bat of Addison Russell fall between them for a two-run double.
Russell later turned the game into a potential blowout when he became the first Cub player to hit a grand slam in World Series history – a 434-foot blast off reliever Dan Otero – to put the visitors up 7-0.
Russell’s 6 RBI tie the World Series record for most in one game, held by Albert Pujols in 2011, Hideki Matsui in 2009 and Bobby Richardson in 1960.
On the mound, Cubs starter Jake Arrieta, who didn’t allow a hit for the first 5 2/3 innings in Game 2 here, doesn't allow a hit in the first three innings of Game 6.
If the Cubs maintain their lead and win, they’ll send Kyle Hendricks to the mound for Game 7 on Tuesday against Indians ace Corey Kluber, the winning pitcher in Games 1 and 4.