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Kluber borrowed Brantley's bat for big hit in World Series Game 4

Posted at 8:23 PM, Oct 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-30 20:24:18-04

Michael Brantley can't play in the World Series, but he helped the Indians win Game 4.

Starter Corey Kluber went to the plate with one of the injured Brantley's bats on Saturday night, and after fouling off several two-strike pitches from John Lackey, the right-hander hit a slow roller toward third for an infield single in the second inning. Lonnie Chisenhall scored when the ball bounced away from Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, giving Cleveland a 2-1 lead.

Kluber, who went on to get his second win of the series, showed he's more than capable with the bat.

"He didn't just give in," manager Terry Francona said. "He worked for it and he ended up getting rewarded. "I know it went 20 feet, but he made him (Lackey) throw about seven pitches and he busted his butt down the line."

Brantley was limited to just 11 games this season following shoulder surgery. He underwent another procedure and the Indians expect the former All-Star to be healthy next season.

Francona wasn't aware Kluber had used one of the left fielder's bats.

"He doesn't have his own, I know that," he said. "I wish it was Brantley."