Bauman: Cleveland has historic crown in sight

CHICAGO — To Cubs fans, the Cleveland Indians were going to be like guests at the wedding; necessary props, but not central to the main storyline, which was, of course, the long-delayed triumph of the Cubs.

Now, the Indians are one victory away from winning the 2016 World Series. The Cubs, the actual favorites in this Fall Classic, are down, 3-1. One defeat from epic disappointment.

• Game 5: Tonight, 8 p.m. ET on FOX

What happened here? It wasn’t an unheard of postseason set of circumstances, even though it left the denizens of Wrigley Field in shock Saturday night, when Game 4 turned into a 7-2 victory for the Indians.

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

Cleveland starter Corey Kluber, pitching on short rest, was not untouchable, but he was tough. Kluber has been so good this postseason that after giving up one run over six gritty innings, his ERA for this postseason actually climbed to 0.89. That is the second best ERA ever for a pitcher with a minimum of five starts in a single postseason, behind Burt Hooten’s 0.82 in 1981 with the Dodgers.

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The Indians’ pitching overall has been superb. They have set a record for postseason shutouts with five, two of which have come against the Cubs in this Series, in Games 1 and 3. In their three losses to the Tribe, the Cubs have scored a total of two runs.

“They’ve been pitching …

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