The Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in extra innings on Wednesday to win their first World Series since 1908 and end the longest title drought in North American professional sports.
With the win, the Cubs clinched the best-of-seven series in seven games over an Indians team that fell one victory short of their first Major League Baseball title in 68 years after squandering a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Lovable losers for generations, the Cubs nearly let this one get away, too.
All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman blew a three-run lead with two outs in the eighth when Rajai Davis hit a tying homer.
But the Cubs, after tormenting their fans one more time, came right back after a 17-minute rain delay before the top of the 10th and scored twice.
Davis hit an RBI single with two outs in the bottom half, but Mike Montgomery got the final out.
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Mike Montgomery celebrates after after Game 7 of the Major League Baseball World Series Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, in Cleveland. Source: AAP
Manager Joe Maddon's team halted the longest title drought in baseball, becoming the first club to overcome a 3-1 Series deficit since the 1985 Kansas City Royals.
Cleveland was trying to win its first crown since 1948, but lost the last two games at home.
World Series favourites since spring training, Chicago led the majors with 103 wins this season. The Cubs then ended more than a century of misery for their loyal fans.
