Cubs Edge Indians 8-7 In Ten-Inning Game 7 To Win First World Series In 108 Years

The Chicago Cubs now have a major reason to celebrate for the first time in 108 years.

Cubs Edge Indians 8-7 In Ten-Inning Game 7 To Win First World Series In 108 Years

After a 17-minute delay following the ninth inning, Ben Zobrist hit a tie-breaking RBI double in a two-run tenth that propelled the Cubs to an 8-7 victory over the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Wednesday night in Game 7.

The Cubs have now won their first World Series since 1908– the longest drought in professional sports– robbing the Tribe of their own national title, which the latter last won in 1948.

“It was like a heavyweight fight, man,” said Zobrist, who was named World Series MVP. “Just blow for blow, everybody playing their heart out. The Indians never gave up either, and I can’t believe we’re finally standing, after 108 years, finally able to hoist the trophy.”

The Cubs held their breath in the bottom of the 10th when Rajai Davis hit a run-scoring single to pull the Indians within a run. However, reliever Mike Montgomery replaced Carl Edwards and got Michael Martinez to hit a slow roller into the infield. Kris Bryant then scooped it up and tossed it to Anthony Rizzo.

As the ball flew across the diamond, the Cleveland crowd fell silent for a brief moment– one of the few times it did all night– and only until it fell into Rizzo’s glove. Then, the large section of Cubs fans erupted, and the players raced to the middle of the infield to celebrate.

“We’re world champions,” Rizzo said in the alcohol-soaked visitors’ clubhouse after he had taken a break from embracing legendary actor Bill Murray, a longtime Cubs fan. “The Chicago Cubs are world champions. Let that sink in.”

The Cubs are the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit and win Games 6 and 7 on the road since the 1979 Pirates.

Thousands of fans stayed for nearly an hour after the game, moving into the field level of the stadium, waving the ‘W’ flags, singing the victory chant “Go Cubs Go” and loudly cheering when Rizzo held up the ball he had caught for the final out.

One fan held a sign: “Now I can die in peace.”

Indeed, after over a century of disappointing seasons, curses involving goats, black cats and unruly fans, one of Chicago’s two MLB teams has reached the ultimate accomplishment.

The Tribe, meanwhile, will unfortunately have to continue to wait for their next World Series win.

When the Indians retreated to their clubhouse during the rain delay, lockers were covered in plastic and Champagne was made ready.

“It’s going to hurt,” said Indians Manager Terry Francona, who called it an incredible game. “It hurts because we care, but they need to walk with their head held high because they left nothing on the field. And that’s all the things we ever ask them to do. They tried until there was nothing left.”

Cleveland had overcome all season– which included injuries to outfielder Michael Brantley and pitchers Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco and the loss of two players to drug suspensions– and they struggled all night on Wednesday, never taking the lead.

To win, Chicago defeated two of the most dominant pitchers in these playoffs– Indians ace Corey Kluber, and versatile reliever Andrew Miller– who allowed more runs on Wednesday than they had yielded in the entire postseason.

The Cubs won 103 games during the regular season– the most in baseball– and showed off their skills during the playoffs.

Kyle Schwarber singled to open the 10th against Bryan Shaw, and was lifted for pinch-runner Albert Almora Jr., who advanced on Bryant’s flyout to the wall in right-center. Rizzo was intentionally walked to set up Zobrist, who lined a double down the left-field line past a diving Jose Ramirez.

“It’s unbelievable,” Zobrist said. “I can’t even put it into words. What this team has battled through all year long, believing we’re the best team, but the ups and the downs and having to fight through things. … It’s an unbelievable team to be a part of.”

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 02: The Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)