Emma: On The Brink, Cubs Remind Of Their Resilience
By Chris Emma--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Halloween costumes are encouraged on the plane. That was the message in the Cubs' clubhouse following their 3-2 win over the Indians in Game 5 of the World Series on Sunday night.
With their backs against the wall on the biggest stage, the Cubs refuse to be anything different than themselves. This team is unlike any other, and it staved off elimination to send the series back to Cleveland. The Indians hold the 3-2 lead. The Cubs still hold a championship dream.
Before their special season was brought to the potential brink, the Cubs were just as loose. They didn't need a Knute Rockne speech, nor would manager Joe Maddon ever consider such a move. The pregame scene featured first baseman Anthony Rizzo running around in his boxers as the Rocky theme played.
Nothing special was needed for the Cubs to respond to their 3-1 deficit. All they had to do was be themselves. The Cubs were ready to claim victory with everything on the line Sunday night at Wrigley Field, where nearly everything went to script.
Speaking in the aftermath of defeat in Game 4, Maddon offered his optimism with the Cubs trailing 3-1. He explained that the Cubs' rested pitching staff would present an advantage over the Indians' tired arms. There would be no drastic lineup changes born out of panicked decisions. All his team needed was the offense to finally break out of its funk.
Kris Bryant launched a home run into the left-center field basket to open the fourth inning, and Addison Russell's infield single scored the go-ahead run. David Ross would then hit a sac fly for a 3-1 lead that would prove to be the difference in the one-run win.
"It was nice to kind of have a big inning there," Bryant said. "It got us going."
Maddon got six strong innings from left-hander Jon Lester, then brought in closer Aroldis Chapman with eight outs still needed for a victory. Going to Chapman in the seventh inning was Maddon's plan all along, and he stuck with him through a jam in the eighth and let him bat with a man in scoring position in the bottom half of the inning.
All Maddon wanted was a lead after six innings and for his flamethrower to finish off the victory.
"Whatever (Maddon) needs me to do or how long he needs me to pitch, I'm ready for it," Chapman said.
Everything hung in the balance with Chapman's electric left arm, and he came through. The Cubs needed their closer to finish off a World Series win. Chapman reminded why president of baseball operations Theo Epstein gave up quite the haul for 100-plus mph heat to bring the Cubs closer to a championship.
Then, the Cubs returned to their clubhouse and turned their focus to the next test -- figuring out what to wear for Halloween on Monday's travel day. No need to think of anything more, because the Cubs stay in the moment.
When they arrived in that clubhouse prior to Game 5, they stood convinced that a comeback is on the way and a championship would be won. Only six teams have ever overcome a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series and none since 1985. The Cubs certainly have what it takes to be the seventh.
"We're all about writing our own history," Bryant said. "This team is a special one."
Indeed, the Cubs are special in their own way. This talented young lineup was built for the World Series stage, and a win like this one in Game 5 is only possible because of the group's ability to rebound while facing adversity.
Facing the end square in the face, Rizzo danced in his underwear, Maddon ran out his closer for 2 2/3 innings and the Cubs earned the season-saving victory.
On to Cleveland for Game 6 and the chance to make history. But first, the Cubs must get in their Halloween costumes.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
