DYK: Lester’s prowess at Wrigley lifts Cubs

The World Series is headed for Game 6.

The Cubs stayed alive Sunday night, hanging on to beat the Indians, 3-2, in Game 5 at Wrigley Field. It was their first home World Series victory since Oct. 8, 1945, when they beat the Tigers in Game 6.

• World Series Game 6: Tuesday, 7:30 ET air time | 8 ET game time on FOX

Now trailing 3-2 in the Series, Chicago still has a steep hill to climb. The last team to win the World Series by taking Games 6 and 7 on the road was the 1979 Pirates, against the Orioles. Since then, the last seven teams that have gone home for Games 6 and 7 of the Fall Classic with a 3-2 lead have become champions.

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   CHC 3, CLE 2 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

As the teams head into an off-day ahead of Tuesday’s Game 6 at Progressive Field, here are some facts and figures from the Cubs’ season-preserving victory:

Cubs southpaws get it done

• The Cubs’ Jon Lester struck out the side in the first inning, becoming the first National League pitcher to do so in the opening frame of a World Series game since John Smoltz for the Braves in Game 5 of the 1996 World Series.

• Shop for World Series gear: Cubs | Indians

• Lester finished with six innings of two-run ball, throwing 90 pitches. The left-hander’s career World Series ERA stands at 1.65, sixth all-time among pitchers with at least five …

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