Focused Chapman gets the job done for Cubs

CLEVELAND — Three days before he became the latest Major League reliever to defy modern convention, recording eight outs in the Cubs’ World Series Game 5 victory over the Indians, Aroldis Chapman took the field.

If not for his electric-red high-top sneakers, Chapman would have been invisible, jogging out to the far left corner of Wrigley Field for a game of catch. He paused briefly for a quick conversation, then a photo with an old acquaintance. Otherwise, Chapman went about his work, not saying more than a word or two to anyone. When his throwing session was done, he paused not for interviews or attention on his way back to the clubhouse.

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

It may as well have been mid-June.

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

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Back on the field, more than a dozen cameras chased glimpses of Kyle Schwarber — would he play the field at Wrigley? would he ride the bench? — wherever he went. Across the way, reporters from around baseball asked Indians reliever Andrew Miller for the umpteenth time how he’s able to stretch his abilities in October. Chapman stayed quiet.

“I don’t think he wants all that attention,” Cubs bullpen coach Lester Strode said. “That’s my opinion. He comes …

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