2016 Game 7: managing a tied ninth

A tie changes the job

Chicago begins the ninth tied 6–6 in Cleveland. There is no deficit to erase, but an empty inning gives the home team a chance to win with one run. Your first decision is how much risk to accept in pursuit of a lead. The lineup starts with David Ross, followed by the top of the order; a substitution affects both this plate appearance and the players available if the game continues.

Save the bunt for a reason

With the bases empty, a sacrifice has nobody to advance. If a runner reaches first with no outs, a bunt becomes a trade: one out for a better chance to score once, at the cost of reducing a larger rally. Look at the next hitters before making that trade. A balanced approach keeps more possibilities open; a power approach accepts more misses for harder contact.

Plan for the bottom half

Even if Chicago scores, the game still needs three defensive outs. Review the bullpen before spending the bench, particularly the pitcher’s batting slot in this National League lineup. A pinch hitter there cannot simply remain as a designated hitter. In this simulation, a pitching change also replaces the occupant of that batting slot. A tied finish continues without an automatic runner.

The batting order at takeover

The Chicago Cubs batting order below reflects the chosen opening, including substitutions already made. The first hitter shown in the matchup above is due now; the order below stays in its normal batting slots.

1. Dexter Fowler CF
2. Kyle Schwarber DH
3. Kris Bryant 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo 1B
5. Ben Zobrist LF
6. Addison Russell SS
7. David Ross C
8. Jason Heyward RF
9. Javier Báez 2B

What the simulation changes

The historical opening supplies the score, inning, lineup, available players, and recorded pitch counts. Your choices influence a modeled finish. Fielding and throwing errors use conservative one-base advances; passed balls, injuries, out-of-play throwing awards, and double switches are not modeled. Earlier seasons have incomplete tracking and may omit unused eligible players. Estimates are identified in the game’s scouting and data notes.