Cubs’ bullpen unable to keep things close

CHICAGO — Game 4 of the World Series on Saturday night was still a three-run affair when Travis Wood entered in the top of the seventh inning, runners on the corners and no outs. It was anyone’s game, in other words, and Wood’s job was to keep it that way.

On the mound, Wood told himself that, at worst, he’d induce a double-play ball and allow one run to score. But then he fell behind, 3-1, and leaked a cutter out over the heart of the plate. Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis redirected it into the bleachers for a new worst-case scenario, a three-run homer. And Wrigley Field grew silent as Cubs fans began accepting their fate: a 7-2 loss to the Indians and a 3-1 Series hole.

• Game 5: Tonight, 7:30 p.m. ET air time | 8 ET game time on FOX

“That really made the game awkward,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.

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   CLE 1, CHC 0 Gm 4 Oct. 29   CLE 7, CHC 2 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

The momentum swing was like popping a balloon, all air rushing out onto …

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