When Davis gets on, he’s off to the races

CLEVELAND — Speedster Rajai Davis came to life in the Indians’ Game 5 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday evening, offering a not-so-subtle reminder of just how disruptive he can be on the basepaths.

That Davis still moves around the bags so swiftly even at age 36 is no secret. But before Sunday’s game — in which Davis rattled Cubs pitchers Jon Lester and Aroldis Chapman, swiping three bases and finishing 2-for-4 — the postseason stage had been deprived of his agile talents as he struggled to even get on base.

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The veteran outfielder entered the contest with one hit and one walk in 26 plate appearances during this postseason, having reached base a grand total of three times (he was hit by a pitch in Game 4) for a meager .115 on-base percentage. So activating his speed hasn’t been an option much of this October for the Indians, who led the American League with 134 stolen bases during the regular season in large part due to Davis’ efforts. He accounted for 43 of those.

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

“That’s just part of my game,” Davis said. “Get on base, get 90 feet closer. If I can get 180 feet closer, I’m going to try to do that.”

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Playing to their strengths, the Indians found Sunday, is especially crucial against a …

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