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Corey Kluber leads Cleveland Indians to opening win over Chicago Cubs in World Series

Pitcher Corey Kluber played a starring role for Cleveland Indians on Tueday
Image: Pitcher Corey Kluber played a starring role for Cleveland Indians on Tueday

The Cleveland Indians produced a dominant display to win the opening leg of the 2016 World Series 6-0 against the Chicago Cubs at Progressive Field.

The hosts collected two runs in the first innings, another in the fourth, before rounding off a comfortable triumph with three more in the eighth.

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The star of the show was Corey Kluber who notched eight strikeouts in the first three innings and went on to become only the third pitcher in World Series history not give concede a run in the opening game.

The 30-year-old threw 59 strikes in 88 pitches before bowing out after six innings.

Roberto Perez weighed-in with a brace of home runs, including a three-run homer in the eighth. He also became the first No 9 hitter in the batting order to clear the fence twice in a World Series game.

Kluber said: "I don't put too much stock in the bullpen because I've had way too many games where you think you have it and you get out there and all of a sudden you're searching for it."

Action from Cleveland on Tuesday
Image: Action from Cleveland on Tuesday

Cleveland manager Terry Francona paid tribute to his star performer: "When Kluber's going good he's got such good late movement, both fastball and breaking ball."

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Cleveland last won the World Series in 1948, while the Cubs have not been crowned champions since 1908.

Chicago manager Joe Maddon also accepted the importance of Kluber, saying: "He's good. He has such great movement in both directions with his cutter. He was hitting his edges. Kluber was outstanding."

The second meeting in the seven-match series takes place later on Wednesday.

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