Corey Kluber returns to the mound for the Indians against John Lackey and the Cubs in game four of the 2016 World Series. The Indians lead the series two games to one.
Kluber pitched outstanding ball so far in his first post season. His three-true outcomes are all excellent, with 29 strikeouts, seven walks, and one home run allowed in 24 1/3 innings. Note that the way Terry Francona manages the pitching staff in post season precludes Kluber from going deep in games and getting in trouble. In three of his four starts, he did not allow a run. His two runs allowed, his shortest outing, and (obviously) the only home run came when he started on short rest against the Blue Jays. It was by no means a bad start, but given the great pitching by both teams, giving up two runs may be enough to earn a loss.
Kluber did not walk a batter in his first start, and the Cubs drew just two walks in that game. They drew one walk in game three, so when the Indians limit base on balls, they take away an important Chicago weapon.
Lackey makes his third start of the 2016 post season, pitching just four innings in each of the first two starts. He walked five batters in those eight inning, and along with 10 hits opponents scored five runs. During the regular season he was much better at limiting walks than home runs, but he hasn’t allowed a long ball yet in the 2016 post-season. Note that against Terry Francona managed teams in the post-season, Lackey owns a 2.67 ERA, but a 1-2 record. Those Red Sox squads did a great job of putting the ball in play against Lackey, as they only struck out 14 times in 27 innings.
Enjoy!
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2eT6aS0
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