Maddon's aggressive use of Chapman looms over Game 6 win

In the midst of the joy in Chicago as the Cubs became the first team since 1985 to force a Game 7 after trailing the World Series 3-1, many people had a pressing question for manager Joe Maddon.

What was up with using Aroldis Chapman for 20 pitches in a 9-2 win?

It did seem like a bizarre use of the closer, who will be needed for Game 7. Maddon explained in a postgame interview with FOX Sports' Tom Verducci that Pedro Strop needed more time to warm up, hence the choice to use Chapman for one batter in the ninth. But that still didn't seem to satisfy portions of the masses, who were demanding a much more detailed explanation.

There's perhaps some merit to Maddon's line of thinking. The Indians have been comeback kings this year - with over 30 comeback wins during the regular season, in fact - and Maddon wanted to be sure that the pesky Cleveland side wouldn't pull off another one to end his team's season. After all, the Indians had shown signs of life at various points during the game, most notably when they loaded the bases in the fourth, and had a pair on in the seventh; that latter scenario was what prompted Chapman to be summoned in the first place.

Maddon himself acknowledge this fact, telling reporters after the game that Chapman would have finished the contest had Anthony Rizzo not restored the Cubs' seven-run lead with his two-run homer in the ninth because he was concerned about an Indians comeback, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

None of that, however, properly explains why Chapman was brought out to begin the ninth. This is not a starter who can come back: Chapman's a career reliever who just completed his first career eight-out save on 44 pitches - the longest outing of his career in terms of pitch count and innings pitched - two days ago. Now, they may want him to even surpass his previous career-high pitch count over three consecutive outings of 83, set during a three-day run in July 2015.

While it may be November and the season's on the line, that's asking a lot from Chapman considering there's a Game 7 to be played less than 24 hours later.

Chapman told reporters that he's ready to go for Game 7 with no limitations, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network. The Cubs had better hope so, because the rest of their bullpen hasn't been great in this series. And while they may be able to rely on the likes of Jon Lester, John Lackey, or even Jake Arrieta to make surprise relief appearances and get some key outs in the final game of the season, any dip in Chapman's effectiveness during the latter stages of Game 7 could open the door for Cleveland to grab its first title in 68 years - which could, in turn, haunt Chicago for what would be a long, dark winter.