Another strong October outing for Cubs’ Lester

CHICAGO — Following two straight losses to the Indians to put the Cubs’ season on the brink, Wrigley Field did not need much of an excuse to come alive on Sunday, its 41,711 constituents aching to grow loud. Jon Lester gave them an early reason anyway, opening World Series Game 5 like this: Strike three to Rajai Davis on an 84-mph changeup. Strike three to Jason Kipnis on an 89-mph cutter. Strike three to Francisco Lindor on a 77-mph curve.

Lester didn’t lose much steam from there, adding to his dictionary-thick October resume with six effective innings in the Cubs’ 3-2 win over the Indians, which staved off elimination and sent the series back to Cleveland.

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

“He was as advertised,” said Indians manager Terry Francona, Lester’s boss with the Red Sox from 2006-11. “He’s really good … and he certainly doesn’t shy away from competition.”

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 …

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