Historic Wrigley set for Game 3 (Fri., 8 ET, FOX)

With the first two games of the World Series in the books, the Indians and Cubs are tied at a game apiece and the Fall Classic now shifts to Wrigley Field for the next three games, beginning with Friday’s Game 3.

It’s a venue change that could have big implications, beyond the loss of the designated hitter in a National League ballpark. It also means that the wind could take center stage and alter the course of the World Series.

• Game 3: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET air time | 8 ET game time on FOX

As of now, the forecast says the wind will be blowing out for Game 3, with south/southwest winds up to 20 mph. With that in mind, here is a look at how the weather conditions at Wrigley Field could favor right-handed hitters, specifically, and all hitters in general — something the two teams might factor in to their lineup decisions.

Game Date Time (air time/game time) Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 25   CLE 6, CHC 0 Gm 2 Oct. 26   CHC 5, CLE 1 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

North Side favors left field It was much better to bat from the right side at Wrigley Field this season, especially in terms of power. According to 2016 ballpark factors available at StatCorner.com, for which 100 represents average, left-handed hitters had a “home run factor” of 84 at Wrigley, meaning it suppressed the long ball by 16 percent. Right-handers had a factor of 117, which was the fourth highest in the Majors.

• Shop for World Series gear: Cubs | Indians

Among all 30 big league parks, Wrigley ranked last with 25 pulled homers from lefty batters (Cleveland’s Progressive Field had 56, tied for third). Cubs lefties pulled more than twice as many long …

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