Aroldis Chapman experienced heartbreak after Game 7 of the World Series went into a rain delay.
The Chicago Cubs closer knew that as soon as the game got delayed after the 9th inning was played, it likely meant he could no longer pitch in the game. That’s why FOX’s Tom Verducci reported that Chapman was the last Cubs player to enter the clubhouse after Game 7 went into a rain delay. Verducci also said Chapman was in tears.
Chapman was already pressed to the max by manager Joe Maddon, who used him for the fifth time in the seven-game series, including three extended appearances lasting longer than an inning. Clearly lacking his typical 100 mph-plus heater, Chapman surrendered three straight big hits that let the Indians tie the game in the eighth.
Despite his struggles, Maddon stuck with Chapman in the 9th, and he retired the Indians 1-2-3.
Chapman threw 42 pitches over 2.2 innings in Game 5 on Sunday; 20 pitches over 1.1 innings in Game 6 on Tuesday; and he threw 35 pitches over 1.1 innings in Game 7 on Wednesday. He was clearly overworked come Game 7.
