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Chicago Cubs reach first World Series in 71 years

Posted at 10:58 PM, Oct 22, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-23 09:37:00-04

CHICAGO (CNN/AP) — The Chicago Cubs are returning to the World Series for the first time in 71 years after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0 Saturday in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series.

The Cubs last appeared in the World Series in 1945, losing to the Detroit Tigers. The World Series opens Tuesday in Cleveland, where the Cubs will face off against the Indians.

Chicago Cubs fans have long been conditioned to expect the worst.

Saturday night at iconic Wrigley Field proved to be different.

Cursed by a Billy Goat, bedeviled by Bartman and crushed by decades of disappointment, the Chicago Cubs are at long last headed back to the World Series.

Kyle Hendricks outpitched Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras homered early and the Cubs won their first pennant since 1945, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0 Saturday night in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series.

The drought ended when closer Aroldis Chapman got Yasiel Puig to ground into a double play, setting off a wild celebration at Wrigley Field.

Seeking their first title since 1908, the Cubs open the World Series at Cleveland on Tuesday night. The Indians haven’t won since 1948.