Cubs ask Contreras to halt running game

CLEVELAND — Willson Contreras doubled with one out in the ninth inning on Tuesday in Game 1 of the World Series, and after making contact, he watched the ball’s flight and then flipped his bat. It wasn’t a good response, considering the Cubs were trailing by six runs at that point.

Contreras realized his mistake, and he posted an apology on Twitter after the game, saying: “I apologize to the fans from both sides I didn’t meant to disrespect My Team @Cubs and The game.!! I Promise It Won’t Happen Again.”

• Game 2: Tonight, 7 p.m. ET game time on FOX (6 p.m. ET pregame show on FS1)

Manager Joe Maddon didn’t see it — he was watching the ball.

Game Date Time (air time/game time) Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 25   CLE 6, CHC 0 Gm 2 Oct. 26 7 p.m. (6 p.m. pregame show on FS1) CHC @ CLE FOX Gm 3 Oct. 28 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX Gm 4 Oct. 29 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX *Gm 5 Oct. 30 8 p.m. CLE @ CHC FOX *Gm 6 Nov. 1 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX *Gm 7 Nov. 2 7:30 p.m./8 p.m. CHC @ CLE FOX * If necessary | All times listed ET • World Series coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Indians

“I guess we’re setting a record for the most guys under 24 years of age,” Maddon said. “I want to believe that a lot of our youngsters, as they gain experience, that stuff will go away.”

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The Cubs’ Game 2 lineup featured a postseason record six players age 24 or younger. The list included Contreras, 24; Kris Bryant, 24; Kyle Schwarber, 23; Javier Baez, 23; Jorge Soler, 24; and Addison Russell, 22.

Miguel Montero had been matched up with Game 2 starter Jake Arrieta, but Maddon wanted Contreras behind the plate to try to stop the Indians’ running game.

“You’ll probably see a lot of Willson now,” Maddon said.

Arrieta approved the switch, and it shows how far Contreras has come this season. He was promoted to the big league team in June to be mentored by Montero and David Ross. Maddon remembers first meeting the young catcher in Spring Training.

“I thought …

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