World Series 2016 Game 5: TV coverage, time starting pitchers for Indians-Cubs

Joe Rodgers

World Series 2016 Game 5: TV coverage, time starting pitchers for Indians-Cubs image

The Indians are one win away from their first World Series victory since 1948 and continuing the Curse of the Billy Goat after Saturday's 7-2 win over the Cubs in Game 4. 

The last MLB team to overcome a 3-1 World Series deficit and win Games 6 and 7 on road was the 1979 Pirates. Can the Cubs do it next?  

WORLD SERIES GAME 5 TV COVERAGE

Their quest starts with Game 5 on Sunday (8:08 p.m. ET, Fox). 

Here's what you need to know about the matchup at Wrigley Field: 

Starting pitchers

Indians: Trevor Bauer (12-8, 4.26 ERA) starts for the second time since being forced to exit Game 3 of the ALCS when his pinkie wound burst open. Bauer, who has never started on short rest in his career, faces the Cubs for the third time. He lasted just 3 2/3 innings in Game 2, allowing two runs on six hits. He also faced Chicago in an interleague start last season, when he hurled seven shutout innings, scattering four hits with seven strikeouts. 

Cubs' career numbers vs. Bauer: Kris Bryant (2 for 5) and Addison Russell (3 for 5) have more than one hit against Bauer. Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber drove in runs for the Cubs in Game 2.  

Cubs: Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44 ERA) allowed 10 Indians baserunners in Game 1 en route to three runs allowed in 5 2/3 innings of work. He'll look to bounce back at Wrigley Field, where he had a 1.74 ERA during the regular season. 

Indians' career numbers vs. Lester: Rajai Davis (14 for 49), Carlos Santana (4 for 16), Mike Napoli (6 for 17), Yan Gomes (4 for 12), Francisco Lindor (3 for 6), Jose Ramirez (3 for 3) and Jason Kipnis (3 for 11) have three hits or more against Lester. 

What to watch for

The Indians ranked second among playoff teams in runs scored against left-handed pitching during the regular season and led the majors in doubles against southpaws. 

Davis, Kipnis and Ramirez could be busy on the basepaths for the Indians, as opponents stole 28 bags against Lester this year and stole 44 bases in 55 attempts last year. Lindor stole second in Game 1 but was also caught stealing by David Ross, who will start at catcher again in Game 5.   

The Cubs are 5 for 37 with runners in scoring position this World Series and are 1 for their last 27 with men on base. 

Joe Rodgers