GAME 7 BABY, NOTHING EASY! We’re supposed to tape a podcast tonight. Mitch and I talked about doing it as Game 6 wrapped up or after it yet there was a part of me that wanted to wait until Thursday when this thing is all said and done. Sure enough, that proved to be the right decision as Chicago won in dominating fashion with 9-2 victory.

Cubs set the tone early with a Kris Bryant home run in the first inning. Bryant would have his best day in the playoffs with four hits. That is the last thing Cleveland wants to see heading into Game 7 no matter who is on the mound. Addison Russell had the big moment of the game with a grand slam in the third pushing the lead out to seven. The middle of the Cubs order all hit the baseball hard and well tonight unlike they did in Chicago or even the first time in Cleveland. This is very similar to what happened in the Los Angeles series where these group of great young hitters needs a couple times with their opposing pitchers before they figure them out.

Joe Maddon made one of the more talked about moves to put Alrodis Chapman in the game for the seventh. Originally, I looked like the Swaggy P meme on my couch, but then thought about it, and it made sense. Francisco Lindor has been the lightening rod for Cleveland at certain points in this postseason. Lindor could have easily jacked a ball into the left field bleachers, and the game is 7-5 with Indians mounting an epic comeback. Chapman held the Cleveland at bay for that inning and made quick work of the eighth. He should be fine tomorrow for an inning or two. Don’t sleep on the fact Jon Lester and John Lackey will both be available for Joe Maddon tomorrow. It also wouldn’t shock me to see Jake Arrieta. They have a loaded bullpen, more than they’ve had in the past six games.

Speaking of bullpens, the only bright spot for Cleveland is none of their big bullpen arms were used in this game. Bryan Shaw, Andrew Miller, Cody Allen were all sitting in the bullpen and now could go deep into game. Corey Kluber might not need to work past the fourth inning tomorrow night.

Game 7 World Series, nothing like it.

Charlie.