Cubs Turn To Arrieta To Keep World Series Hopes Alive

Cubs Fan High Fives Chef At Wrigley During World Series Game 5
A photo from Game 5 of the World Series at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 3-2 to advance to 2-3 in the series. Andrew Gill / WBEZ
Cubs Fan High Fives Chef At Wrigley During World Series Game 5
A photo from Game 5 of the World Series at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 3-2 to advance to 2-3 in the series. Andrew Gill / WBEZ

Cubs Turn To Arrieta To Keep World Series Hopes Alive

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The Cubs avoided elimination with a 3-2 win Sunday over the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs now trail three games to two, and need to win Tuesday and Wednesday in Cleveland to capture their first World Series title since 1908. WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout joined Morning Shift Monday to explain what it will take.

A photo from Game 5 of the World Series at Wrigley Field. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 3-2 to advance to 2-3 in the series. Andrew Gill/WBEZ.

On Cubs’ Game 6 Starting Pitcher Jake Arrieta: ‘It’s His Moment’

“He’s going to put the team on his back,” Raye-Stout said of Jake Arrieta, who gets the start in Tuesday’s must-win Game 6.

Arrieta pitched well in last Wednesday’s Game 2, giving up one earned run in 5 ⅔ innings and earning the win at Cleveland’s Progressive Field.

“He’ll have to make a few adjustments to the Cleveland players because they’re going to be making adjustments to him,” Raye-Stout said.

“But he must have his command. He’ll have to pitch up and down the strike zone like he can, and he can’t give up any walks. He’s got everything on his shoulders.”

Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta walks of the mound as he is taken out of the game during the sixth inning of World Series game two on Oct. 26, 2016, in Cleveland. Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press.

On Cleveland’s Dominant Bullpen: ‘Phenomenal’

Cleveland lost two starting pitchers to injury toward the end of the regular season, forcing the Cleveland bullpen to pick up the slack.

“They have had to — out of necessity — do what they’ve done,” Raye-Stout said of the Indians’ bullpen.

“When you lose two starters, you go ‘Oh, forget about it’, but [Cleveland manager] Terry Francona has been masterful,” Raye-Stout said.

Francona’s ability to consistently send out the right pitchers at the right moment — and for the right amount of time — has been “phenomenal,” Raye-Stout said.

“I have to look at him and say he’s been brilliant this postseason,” she said of Francona.

Cleveland manager Terry Francona answers questions from reporters after winning Game 3 of the World Series. Andrew Gill/WBEZ.

On The Cubs Riding The Plane To Cleveland In Halloween Costumes: ‘Why Not?

Cubs manager Joe Maddon reportedly encouraged his players to wear halloween costumes on their Monday flight to Cleveland.

What do the Cubs players think of this development?

“They have no complaints,” Raye-Stout said. “We have to remember, these are young men. Almost boys if you wanted to say. And he wanted them to enjoy the moment.”

“Joe does these crazy things during the regular season and they embrace it,” Raye-Stout said, referencing multiple occasions when Maddon had themed attire for road trips.

“Having the costumes is just part of Joe’s magic with this team,” Raye-Stout said. “And he’s done it all year, so why not?”

On The Cubs Championship Chances: ‘They Can Win This Series’

“This team is made to do the impossible,” Raye-Stout said. “They just have to go inning by inning, pitch by pitch, and not think about the task at hand beyond that.”

“Just think about Game 6. If you win Game 6, anything can happen in Game 7.”

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Click the ‘Play’ button above to listen to the entire segment.