World Series opener pits Lester vs. Kluber
Two title-starved organizations are ready to kick off one of the most intriguing World Series matchups we’ve seen in some time.
Tonight, the Cubs and Indians will battle in Game 1 of the Fall Classic. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives Chicago odds of -110 to snag the early series lead. Cleveland, on the other hand, enters as a -101 underdog. The over/under run total rests at 6.5.
The Windy City, devoid of a title since 1908, pins its preliminary hopes on the left arm of a proven October hero. Jon Lester boasts a 2-0 record with a 0.86 ERA in 21 playoff innings this year. Most recently, he twirled seven innings of one-run ball in an NLCS victory over the Dodgers.
Terry Francona counters with Corey Kluber, he of the 0.98 postseason ERA. The Tribe’s ace did suffer a slight misstep in the penultimate contest of the ALCS, surrendering two runs on four hits in five frames. Yet he’s the staff’s unquestioned leader, capable of mowing down the opposition with plus velocity and a dizzying offspeed repertoire.
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Such traits will undoubtedly come in handy vs. the surging Cubbies, who erupted offensively in the waning stages of their set with Los Angeles. We’re looking at a remarkably even opener, but let us side with the host club. Besides, the Indians basically must win with Kluber on the mound, considering the North Siders’ litany of quality hurlers to come.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: INDIANS +1.5