World Series Game 3: Indians at Cubs (Tomlin vs. Hendricks)

So, it’s been a very long time since there was a World Series game at Wrigley Field. Let’s just get that tiny fact out right away. This game is a pretty big deal for Cubs fans, the City of Chicago, and, as it turns out, business owners around the park.

Some of the places around Wrigleyville are charging a pretty penny for entry to their fine establishments. Cover charges can range anywhere from $0 to $1250 (and if you pay that price for the privilege of watching a baseball game in a bar, maybe take some time to reevaluate your priorities and/or you mental health).

It’s certainly and entertaining/interesting/expensive time to be a Cubs fan in Chicago. Of course, this is the first World Series in the city for quite some time OH WAIT.

As for the actual game, the Cubs will turn to their, what, second or third ace in Kyle Hendricks. He’s been nails, of course, allowing only 1 run over 12.2 innings in 2 starts. He was the best Cubs starter all year, in fact, on a roster that contains Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester. He’s been incredible. Even worse news for the Indians? He’s at his absolute best at home, with a 9-2 record and a 1.32 ERA in 14 starts. Hendricks gave up only 14 runs in Wrigley all season.

Josh Tomlin will take the mound for Cleveland. He’s enjoyed one start in each of the two previous series, earning the win in both and allowing only 3 runs on 10.2 innings pitched. This season, Tomlin came back down to earth after an incredible 2015 that saw him post a 143 ERA+, easily the highest in his career. His 106 ERA+ this season isn’t horrible, but his season’s been worse across the board. Tomlin struck out just over 6 batters per 9 innings (though, he doesn’t walk anyone ever, really).

In what should be the human interest story of the night: Tomlin’s father will be in attendance to watch his son start in the Fall Classic. This is important because Tomlin’s father, Jerry, had suddenly become paralyzed from the chest down in August, due to an arteriovenous malformation that required surgery.

The weather forecast is a pleasant one for fans; however, it may play a big part in how the game is ultimately won and lost. The wind is supposed to be blowing toward the ivy (and into the seats) tonight at 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 40 mph. It’s going to be even more of a challenge for the players on the mound to keep the ball in the park.