Cubs win world series after 108 year drought

Cool, gentle rain on an unusually warm November night signaled the end of a different kind of drought as the Chicago Cubs secured the team’s first World Series title in 108 years.

The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-6 in extra-innings to finish out game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

Cleveland exploded into the series with three wins in the first four games, positioning themselves within one win of ending their own Fall Classic drought that began in 1948, and leaving Chicago seemingly helpless to end their century-old “curse”.

The tide turned, however, when Chicago won two in a row, forcing what can only be described as the two best words in the world of sports: game seven.

While the momentum seemed to be with Chicago, they faced a daunting task as they had to return to Cleveland for the final game of the Major League Baseball season.

They quickly took control, when on the fourth pitch of the game, Chicago centerfielder Dexter Fowler, who batted .276 on the year and hit 13 homeruns, launched one into centerfield, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.

Cleveland was quick to answer when designated hitter Carlos Santana drove in leftfielder Coco Crisp from third to tie the game 1-1.

Chicago maintained control throughout the game, with an explosive 4th and 5th inning, where they scored two runs each.

Cleveland ace pitcher Corey Kluber’s season was ended in the fifth when he allowed a solo homerun to Chicago second baseman Javier Baez on the first pitch of the inning. Cleveland’s manager Terry Francona called in lefty Andrew Miller to finish the job.

Miller allowed one RBI in his outing when Chicago’s first baseman Anthony Rizzo batted in third baseman Kris Bryant, putting Chicago on what was seemingly the path to victory at 5-1.

A wild pitch from Chicago ace Jon Lester, who was called in for relief, narrowed Cleveland’s deficit to two runs in the bottom of the 5th inning.

The most intense moments of the game were in the bottom of the eighth when Madden called in bullpen powerhouse Aroldis Chapman to secure the win. Chapman, who was Madden’s go-to man throughout the regular and postseason, was not quite on top of his game as he allowed an RBI from Cleveland outfielder Brandon Guyer, and a subsequent two-run homer into right from centerfielder Rajai Davis, tying up the game 6-6.

With and otherwise dormant ninth from both teams, and the weather causing a 17 minute rain delay, the game was headed into extra innings.

The tenth began with a shift in momentum, as Chicago designated hitter Kyle Schwarber lead off with a base hit. After an intentional walk by Cleveland righty Bryan Shaw, Rizzo batted in his second RBI of the night, putting Chicago in the lead 7-6. With another RBI from catcher Miguel Montero before the end of the inning, Chicago was three outs away from making history.

Cleveland was able to score one run before being silenced with a grounder to third base for the final out of the game, electrifying the city of Chicago and baseball fans everywhere, and most importantly, making the Chicago Cubs World Series Champions.