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Home , Aroldis Chapman, Jason Kipnis, John Lackey, Mike Napoli, Progressive Field, World Series

Indians — that other team in World — also eager to end drought By , adapted by Newsela staff on 10.26.16 Word Count 879

Chicago Cubs relief (right) celebrates after Game 6 of the championship series against the Dodgers at in , , 22, 2016. The Cubs won 5-0 to win the series and advance to the against the Indians. Photo: AP Photo/David J. Phillip

CLEVELAND, — The would be the sentimental choice in the World Series in any other year, against any other team.

Fans would support the Indians because it has been so long since they've won the World Series.

But the Indians are facing the .

The lovable Cubbies captured the nation's heart by overcoming and winning their first National League championship since 1945 on Saturday night. They are aiming for their first Series title since 1908 and are a popular pick.

Oddsmakers Like The Cubs

The oddsmakers in Las Vegas, Nevada, who predict sports results, have pegged the Cubs as heavy favorites going into Game 1 on Tuesday night. President Barack Obama is a die-hard fan of the White Sox on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Even Obama said he was happy to see the North Side of Chicago rocking for the Cubs.

Well, all the love toward the N.L. champions has left the Indians as underdogs — a role they've embraced this October.

"We believe in each other," first baseman said Sunday before the Indians held a workout and practice game at . "We believe that if we go out there and play the game the right way, play as a team like we've done, we can win a game on any night. We've shown in the past two series we can't be taken lightly. We play as a team."

Indians Surprised Red Sox

Their confidence has grown with their wins. Cleveland wasn't expected to beat , but the Indians swept into retirement and the Red Sox into their offseason sooner than expected. Cleveland's pitching staff followed that by whittling 's big bats down to toothpicks in the Championship Series.

Now on deck are the Cubs, who won 103 games during the regular and have three pitching aces at the top of the rotation and a flame-throwing .

The Indians, though, think they can match up with anyone.

"They're a good team from top to bottom," said Indians pitcher Adam Miller, who has spent the postseason toying with hitters. "They have three guys that might be (award winners). We're going to be going against a good team, that's not a surprise. If you want to count us out, that works for us."

Many of the Indians watched Chicago's historic win, which was followed by a street party outside Wrigley Field that nearly lasted until dawn.

Napoli Gets To Face Former Teammates

As it unfolded, Napoli found himself pulling for former Red Sox teammates and and the Cubs. The more he thought about a Cleveland-Chicago series, the more he liked it.

"I was rooting for them," Napoli said, wearing one of his popular "Post Party At Napoli's" T- shirts. "I thought it would be one of the coolest World Series to be a part of."

The Indians are looking to end their own 68-year title drought, and they spent the past few days resting while the Cubs and finished their series. The down time has allowed Cleveland to get healthier, but manager revealed a new injury for his team, which has spent much of the season dealing with sprains, strains and even a few stitches.

Second baseman Jason Kipnis hurt his left ankle following Game 5 in Toronto. "Some of the guys had a tough time getting through the celebration," said Francona, who added would start Game 1 at home. "He went over to embrace () Frankie (Lindor) and he rolled his foot on Frankie's foot. So he's got a low ankle sprain. The good part is it's not a high ankle sprain. You hear that all the time, and I never know what it means, but it doesn't sound good. He's going to be OK.

"Thankfully we had some time off, which is good. He's not moving yet like he can, but I'm guessing with another 48 hours and 37,000 screaming fans, I bet he'll be OK."

Kipnis' Ankle Seems To Be Holding Up

Kipnis took ground balls in practice as athletic trainer James Quinlan watched. Later, Kipnis didn't appear to favor his ankle while hitting against several Cleveland during the practice game, which included crowd noise being pumped into the ballpark.

Nothing could match Tuesday's anticipated atmosphere when fans in both cities will hang on every pitch, knowing that each win moves their club closer to a championship.

Before the first batter even steps to the plate, this World Series already looks as if it will be remembered for years.

Heartbreak Will End For One Team

It has two Midwestern cities separated by roughly 300 miles and two teams with heartbreak in their pasts.

One team will end its lengthy title quest, while the other's will linger.

Napoli can't wait for it to get started.

"The Cubs have a lot of history. We have a lot of history," he said. "The big things are the droughts." He added that the records of dry spells are why he wanted to play against them. "I think it will probably be the coolest thing ever to be a part of that — going to Wrigley on the road to see that atmosphere. That's something I live for." Quiz

1 Which of the following BEST explains why the Chicago Cubs are more popular with fans than the Cleveland Indians?

(A) The Chicago Clubs are a more successful team, and have inspired many throughout the years.

(B) The Chicago Cubs have a longer losing streak than the Cleveland Indians, and are seen as the lovable underdogs.

(C) The Cleveland Indians have more injuries than the Chicago Cubs, and are seen as less likely to win.

(D) The Cleveland Indians have not played together as a united team this season, and many question their sportsmanship.

2 What is the MOST important reason why Napoli is excited about playing the Cubs in the World Series?

(A) He knows the Cubs are not as good as the Indians and he wants to end the Indians' losing streak.

(B) He knows the Cubs are more popular and he wants to show the country the Indians are worth cheering for.

(C) He knows players on the Cubs and he wants to show them his team is better than theirs.

(D) He knows both the Indians and the Cubs have long losing streaks and he thinks the game will be historic.

3 What is the meaning of the phrase "pulling for" as used in the following sentence?

As it unfolded, Napoli found himself pulling for former Red Sox teammates Jon Lester and John Lackey and the Cubs. The more he thought about a Cleveland-Chicago series, the more he liked it.

(A) supporting

(B) rooting against

(C) watching

(D) working with 4 Read the following two paragraphs from the section "Indians Surprised Red Sox."

Their confidence has grown with their wins. Cleveland wasn't expected to beat Boston, but the Indians swept David Ortiz into retirement and the Red Sox into their off-season sooner than expected. Cleveland's pitching staff followed that by whittling Toronto's big bats down to toothpicks in the American League Championship Series. Now on deck are the Cubs, who won 103 games during the regular season and have three pitching aces at the top of the rotation and a flame-throwing closer.

How does the figurative language in these paragraphs affect the tone?

(A) It creates an intense and aggressive tone.

(B) It creates a playful and exciting tone.

(C) It creates a worried and suspenseful tone.

(D) It creates a negative and criticizing tone.