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Addison Russell's grand slam caps Cubs' offensive outburst in Game 6

mike oz

CLEVELAND — Well, that’s not how you want the start of a potential World Series-clinching game to go.

Sure, it started well for the Cleveland Indians if you just watched the first two batters, but then it turned into the baseball version of a horror movie. A hung curveball that turned into a home run from Kris Bryant. A outfield miscommunication by the Indians that led two more runs. Then the first-ever grand slam in Cubs World Series history by Addison Russell. Combined damage: 7-0 in a backs-against-the-wall Game 6 for the Cubs.

Only one word for it: Oof.

The first inning started nice enough, with two quick outs from Cleveland starter Josh Tomlin as the hyped up locals cheered every strike. Tomlin even got an 0-2 count on Bryant before a hanging curve led to a no-doubt homer to left. That was bad enough, but then Anthony Rizzo ripped a single to center and Ben Zobrist lined one to right. Addison Russell was the next man up and this is where things from bad to oh-my-God-cover-your-eyes.

Russell lifted a fly ball to right-center that should have easily been the third out of the inning, but it fell between Tyler Naquin and Lonnie Chisenhall. Rizzo scored easily, Zobrist chugged around and scored when Jason Kipnis’ throw wasn’t on the mark and he smashed into catcher Roberto Perez.

It looked a lot like this:

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Tomlin managed to get the final out that inning and then put the Cubs down in order in the second too. But the third inning brought more carnage. The Cubs loaded the bases on a walk and two singles before Tomlin was pulled from the game.

That’s when relief pitcher Dan Otero served up a third-pitch sinker down the pipe that Russell drove 434 feet. It was the first World Series grand slam since 2005, when Paul Konerko hit one.

Addison Russell's grand slam was the first in the World Series in 2005. (AP)
Addison Russell’s grand slam was the first in the World Series in 2005. (AP)

Might as well have just hit the ball directly into the heart of every Indians fan, because the Cubs’ early barrage was enough for the eventual 9-2 win, which forced a Game 7 in this series. The two teams will meet again Wednesday with everything on the line.

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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!