Theo Epstein has talked about how the Chicago Cubs most likely don’t win the 2016 World Series if it wasn’t for that 17-minute rain delay after the ninth inning. This year, the Cubs are making sure to remind the Cleveland Indians just how Game 7 ended with a fantastic giveaway.
The Cubs dugout was lifeless after Aroldis Chapman gave up a game-tying home run to Rajai Davis just four outs shy of breaking the franchise’s 108-year championship drought. The Cubs stranded a runner at third base in the top of the ninth inning and somehow Chapman got through the bottom of the inning running on fumes. And then the rain came. Then, Jason Heyward earned every single cent of his contract with his players-only speech that seemingly motivated the best team in baseball that year.
Kyle Schwarber singled to start extra innings. Albert Almora Jr. pinch ran and tagged up to second on a deep fly ball by Kris Bryant. Anthony Rizzo was walked and then with two strikes, Ben Zobrist made history.
Addison Russell was walked and Miguel Montero came through with what would be the difference in Game 7 of the World Series.
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And well, you know how it ends.
But again, in the mind of many, including Theo Epstein, none of that happens if there wasn’t a rain delay before extra innings.
The Cubs host the Indians at Wrigley Field this season for a short, two-game set and the team’s giveaway on May 22, is simply amazing.
The Cubs giving out umbrellas for a game against Cleveland is tremendous. pic.twitter.com/yrGyWr5bKs
— Caitlin Swieca (@CaitlinSwieca) February 16, 2018
