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3 Cubs, 3 Indians to watch in World Series

The Chicago Cubs haven't been to the World Series since 1945, and they haven't won a championship since 1908.

The Cleveland Indians were a powerhouse team two decades ago and they made it to the World Series in 1995 and again in '97, coming up short both times. They haven't won a championship since 1948.

Something has to give when the Cubs and Indians meet up in this year's Fall Classic, with Game 1 commencing Tuesday night at Progressive Field

Here are three key players from each side that should have a big say in the outcome:

CUBS

<b>Dexter Fowler</b>

Trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in the National League championship series after being shut out in back-to-back games, the Cubs were in big trouble and in desperate need of an offensive spark.

Fowler provided it out of the leadoff spot, going 6-for-14 as the Cubs outscored L.A. 23-6 while winning three straight and advancing to the World Series.

<b>Jon Lester</b>

  In his three postseason starts in 2016, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester has a 0.78 ERA. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com

Clayton Kershaw attracted most of the attention in the NLCS, but Lester was the better starting pitcher, allowing just 2 earned runs over 13 innings in 2 starts vs. the Dodgers.

Add in the 8 shutout innings he threw against the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the NL division series, and you can see why the Cubs invested $155 million in Lester.

<b>Anthony Rizzo</b>

  After a slow start, Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has collected 9 hits and 5 RBI in postseason play. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com

Like Dexter Fowler, he came alive in the NLCS after the Cubs fell behind 2-1.

Rizzo was 7-for-14 with 2 home runs, 2 doubles and 5 RBI in Games 4-6 against the Dodgers.

The left-handed hitting first baseman could do some serious damage against Cleveland's right-handed heavy pitching staff.

INDIANS

<b>Corey Kluber</b>

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber is 2-1 in postseason play this year, with a 0.98 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 18.1 innings. Associated Press

He is very likely to win his second Cy Young Award in three seasons this year, and the right-handed starter is showing why in the playoffs.

In 3 postseason starts against dangerous offenses in the Red Sox and Blue Jays, Kluber went 2-1 with a 0.98 ERA.

<b>Jose Ramirez</b>

Cleveland Indians' Jose Ramirez led the team in hitting this season, but has gone hot and cold in the playoffs with 5 hits against Boston and only 1 hit against Toronto. Associated Press

The third baseman led the Indians with a .312 batting average during the regular season and also contributed 11 home runs and 76 RBI.

Ramirez was 5-for-10 against Boston in the ALDS but cooled against the Blue Jays in the ALCS, going 1-for-17. If he heats back up in the World Series, Cleveland could have a shot.

<b>Andrew Miller</b>

Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Andrew Miller has pitched 11.2 innings in the post season and collected 21 strikeouts with a 0.60 ERA. Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP

No matter when he came out of the bullpen in the American League division series and championship series, Miller was a lockdown reliever.

In 6 postseason appearances against the Red Sox and Blue Jays, Miller pitched 11⅔ scoreless innings, allowing 5 hits while striking out 21.

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