Mike Napoli, Carlos Santana in Game 5 lineup for Indians
CHICAGO --Mike Napoliwas back in the starting lineup at first base for Game 5 on Sunday, and Carlos Santanawas in left field, as theCleveland Indianstried to close out theChicago Cubsand win the World Series.
Manager Terry Francona sat Napoli in Game 4 as the Indians took a 3-1 series lead Saturday night. Francona played Santana instead at first and the slugger responded by hitting a home run.
In Game 3, Napoli was at first base, while Santana started in left -- his first career start at the position -- and played five innings before he was replaced. He caught the only fly ball hit to him on a gusty night in Wrigley Field.
Napoli, who had started Cleveland's first 11 games of the postseason, pinch hit in the eighth inning of Game 4 and flew out to the warning track in center.
With a chance for the Indians to win their first World Series title since 1948, Francona is going with the same lineup he used in Game 1 against Cubs left-hander Jon Lester-- with Santana in the outfield since the designated hitter is unavailable in the National League ballpark.
Lester is scheduled to start for Chicago on Sunday against Trevor Bauer.
Rajai Davisis slated to bat leadoff and play center for the Indians, and Brandon Guyer is in right field.
For the Cubs, slumping Jason Heywardis slated to remain in the lineup in right field after getting a pair of hits in Game 4.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon has inserted catcher David Ross into Sunday's lineup in place of Willson Contreras. Ross, 39, who is retiring after the Series, usually catches pitcher Jon Lester.
Heyward, in his first season with the Cubs after signing a $184 million, eight-year contract, was 2-for-31 (.033) with one RBI in the postseason before going 2-for-4 Saturday in Chicago's 7-2 loss.
On Sunday, center fielder Dexter Fowleris scheduled to lead off for the Cubs, followed by third baseman Kris Bryant, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, left fielder Ben Zobrist, shortstop Addison Russell, Heyward, second baseman Javier Baez, Ross and Lester.
