Cubs Finally Win at Wrigley to Keep World Series Run Alive

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Cubs finally gave their fans — and the baseball history books — something they'd been missing for 71 years: a World Series victory at Wrigley Field.

Thanks to strong performances by starting pitcher John Lester and closer Aroldis Chapman, the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in Game 5 on Sunday, 3-2, keeping their hopes for a World Series crown alive for one more game. The series — which the Indians lead 3-2 — now moves to Cleveland's Progressive Field on Tuesday.

Chicago's win Sunday was the first World Series victory for the team at Wrigley Field since Oct. 8, 1945. After the win, the players briefly filed back out to the field to salute the celebrating fans still in the stands.

Like the previous games in the series, offense came at a premium for both teams. Lester scattered four hits and struck out five over six innings, and was the first pitcher to strike out the side in a world series game since 1996.

But it was Chapman's lights-out appearance on the mound that sealed the game for Chicago. He struck out four and gave up one hit in 2 2/3 innings of work.

The teams have a travel day Monday and resume the series Tuesday. With the last two games in an American League park, slugger Kyle Schwarber will return to the Cubs lineup as the designated hitter.

Chicago Cubs 3, Cleveland Indians 2

Cleveland leads the best-of-seven series, 3-2. Check out Patch's Game 5 updates for the stories outside the foul lines.

W: John Lester | L: Trevor Bauer

Memorable Moment: The fourth inning. Cubs hitters finally were able to sustain a rally during a game at Wrigley Field. The offensive explosion started with a solo shot from third baseman Kris Bryant, followed by a double to deep right by first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who advanced to third on a single by Ben Zobrist. Shortstop Addison Russell then singled to score Rizzo, and catcher David Ross hit a sacrifice fly after second baseman Javier Baez reached on a bunt single.

Moment to Forget: Third baseman Jose Ramirez hit a 383-foot home run to left field in the second inning, giving Cleveland the first run of the game. The homer had many fans worried they were in for a long night. That is, until the bottom of the fourth inning rolled around.

Wins Needed to Break the Curse: 2

Next Game: Cubs at Indians, 7:08 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1

Cubs fans celebrate Chicago's Game 2 World Series victory Wednesday, Oct. 26 at Progressive Field in Cleveland. (photo by Rick Uldricks | Patch Cleveland)

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