Cubs level World Series with first Fall Classic win since 1945

As of last week, it seemed next to impossible for Kyle Schwarber even to play in the World Series.

Now, improbably, Schwarber, who underwent surgery for a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee less than seven months ago, has helped the Chicago Cubs even the series against the Cleveland Indians, giving the Cubs their first win in a Fall Classic game in 71 years.

Schwarber had two RBI singles, Anthony Rizzo drove in a run and scored two more, and Ben Zobrist chipped in with an RBI and a run, and the Cubs leveled the best-of-seven series, winning 5-1 in Game 2 at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

“This is the moment that we all look forward when we were little kids, to play in the World Series,” Schwarber said. “We just took a small step today, but we’ve still got a long way to go.”

It’s the first time the Cubs have been victorious in a World Series game since 1945, a series they lost to the Detroit Tigers in seven games. It also was the same World Series when the supposed billy goat curse was put on the club.

The Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908, the longest drought between championships in Major League Baseball.

The question now, though, is how much Schwarber will be able to play in Games 3, 4 and 5 at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The DH isn’t an option at a National League ballpark, and Schwarber has yet to be cleared by the medical staff to play in the outfield.

“We’ll see,” Schwarber said when asked if he’s ready to play defense. “I haven’t tried it. We’ll take it day by day.”

Game 3 is Friday. Both teams are scheduled to work out at Wrigley Field on Thursday.

What can Schwarber do in Chicago?

The 23-year-old Schwarber, who aside from five plate appearances in April, missed most of the season following that knee surgery. Now he’s a key player on the Cubs’ World Series roster, having been utilized as the designated hitter for Games 1 and 2.

Before Wednesday, Schwarber had already made a bit of history. In Game 1, the second-year player hit a hard and deep double in the fourth inning for his first hit in 2016 – making him the first non-pitcher to get his first hit of the entire season during the World Series.

The Chicago Cubs celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the World Series on Thursday, November 3. The Cubs won 8-7 in 10 innings to win the series 4-3. The billy goat curse is dead. The Chicago Cubs are World Series champions at long last, winning their first Fall Classic in 108 years.

The Chicago Cubs celebrate in the locker room.

World Series MVP Ben Zobrist of the Cubs poses with The Commissioner's Trophy.

Anthony Rizzo, David Ross, and Jason Heyward of the Cubs celebrate with actor John Cusack (far right).

Bill Murray reacts on the field after the Cubs won.

Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs celebrates with Jason Heyward after scoring a run in the tenth inning of Game 7.

The grounds crew covers the field during a rain delay before the start of the tenth inning in Game 7.

Francisco Lindor of the Indians jumps over Chris Coghlan of the Cubs in the ninth inning in Game 7.

Aroldis Chapman of the Chicago Cubs reacts after Rajai Davis of the Cleveland Indians (not pictured) hit a two-run homer during the eighth inning to tie the game 6-6 in Game 7.

Rajai Davis of the Indians celebrates after hitting a two-run homer during the eighth inning to tie the Game 7 at 6-6.

Indians fans react as they watch outside of Progressive Field during Game 7.

Jon Lester of the Chicago Cubs reacts after retiring the side during the seventh inning of Game 7.

David Ross of the Cubs reacts after hitting a solo home run during the sixth inning in Game 7.

Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana of the Cleveland Indians celebrate after scoring runs on a wild pitch during the fifth inning in Game 7.

David Ross of the Cubs reacts after Jon Lester (not pictured) threw a wild pitch during the fifth inning, allowing 2 runs to score in Game 7.

Javier Baez of the Cubs runs the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning in Game 7.

Kris Bryant of the Cubs slides safely under Indians catcher Roberto Perez during the fourth inning of Game 7.

Coco Crisp of the Indians hits a double during the third inning in Game 7.

Francisco Lindor of the Indians tags out Kyle Schwarber of the Cubs during the third inning of Game 7.

Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs throws during the first inning of Game 7.

Dexter Fowler of the Cubs celebrates after hitting a lead off home run in the first inning of Game 7.

The Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs stand for the national anthem prior to Game 7.

The Cubs celebrate after defeating the Indians 9-3 in Game 6 to even the World Series 3-3.

Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs hits two-run homer during the ninth inning of Game 6.

Aroldis Chapman of the Cubs races Francisco Lindor of the Indians to the bag during the seventh inning in Game 6.

Addison Russell of the Cubs tosses the ball to Javier Baez (not pictured) for a force out in the sixth inning of Game 6.

Jason Kipnis of the Indians rounds the bases after a home run during the fifth inning of Game 6.

Jose Ramirez of the Indians makes a catch in the fifth inning in Game 6.

Jake Arrieta of the Cubs is in action on the mound during Game 6.

Indians fans congregate outside Progressive Field during game 6.

Addison Russell of the Cubs celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the third inning of Game 6.

Ben Zobrist of the Cubs collides with the Indians' Roberto Perez in the first inning of Game 6.

Tyler Naquin and Lonnie Chisenhall of the Indians are unable to make a play in the first inning of Game 6.

Kris Bryant of the Cubs hits a solo home run during the first inning of Game 6.

A general view during Game 6 of the 2016 World Series.

Dexter Fowler, left, and Anthony Rizzo, right, of the Cubs celebrate after beating the Indians 3-2 in Game 5.

Fans celebrate after the Chicago Cubs win in Game 5.

Javier Baez, left, Jason Heyward, center, and Kris Bryant of the Cubs celebrate after Game 5.

Jason Heyward of the Chicago Cubs steals second base past Jason Kipnis of the Cleveland Indians in the eighth inning in Game 5.

Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward catches a fly ball hit by Indians' Trevor Bauer during the third inning of Game 5.

The Cubs' Kris Bryant, left, celebrates with Ben Zobrist after hitting a home run during the fourth inning of Game 5.

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer throws during the first inning of Game 5.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) reaches for a ball bounced off from catcher David Ross who was trying to catch a foul ball hit by Cleveland's Carlos Santana during the second inning of Game 5.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester throws during the first inning of Game 5.

Chicago Cubs fans outside of Wrigley Field before Game 5.

Francisco Lindor, left, and Brandon Guyer, right, of the Cleveland Indians celebrate after beating the Chicago Cubs 7-2 in Game 4 of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on Saturday, October 29, in Chicago.

Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler can't make the catch on a double hit by Cleveland Indians' Coco Crisp during the seventh inning of Game 4.

Cleveland Indians' Carlos Santana wears socks with the team logo before Game 4.

Francisco Lindor of the Cleveland Indians hits a single off of John Lackey of the Chicago Cubs in the third inning in Game 4.

Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis collides with Cubs Jason Heyward as Kipnis turns a double play on a ball hit by the Cubs Javier Baez during the second inning of Game 4.

Cleveland Indians' Carlos Santana hits a home run off Chicago Cubs starting pitcher John Lackey during the second inning of Game 4.

Cleveland's Corey Kluber is safe at first as Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo can't make a play on a wild throw by third baseman Kris Bryant during the second inning of Game 4.