The Cleveland Indians opened the 2016 World series by shutting out the Chicago Cubs 6-0. The Indians now have a 1-0 lead in the series, thanks to the brilliant performances by Corey Kluber and Roberto Perez.
Indians ace pitcher Corey Kluber delivered an outstanding pitching performance and outdueled Cubs ace, Jon Lester. Through the first three innings, Kluber retired the Cubs in historic fashion by striking out eight of the first nine batters he faced.
Kluber ended the night with nine strikeouts, allowed four hits, and didn't give up a walk in more than six innings. He now holds the record of having the most strikeouts by an Indians pitcher in a World Series game, previously held by Jaret Wright (Game 7 in 1997) and Orel Hershiser (Game 1 in 1995) with seven strikeouts apiece.
Roberto Perez hit two home runs in Game 1 and became the first Indians batter to hit two in a World Series game. Perez first home run came in the fourth inning against Lester. He then followed it up with a three-run shot in the eight inning against Hector Rendon.
When Indians Manager Terry Francona decided to pull out Kluber out of the game, he turned to ALCS MVP Andrew Miller who got stuck in a jam in the seventh and eight inning but managed to work his way out. In the last inning, Francona turned to closer Cody Allen who finished off the job for the Indians and completed the win for Kluber.
Despite the loss, the Cubs' hearts are not broken and they are determined to bounce back in Game 2. "I'm not disappointed by any means except for the fact that we did not win," said Joe Maddon, Manager of the Cubs. Cubs will look to even the series in Game 2 when their starter Jake Arrieta goes up against the Indians' Trevor Bauer at Wrigley Field.
