Watch: Dexter Fowler Sparks Cubs With Lead-Off Homer In Game 7

(CBS) The Cubs couldn't have asked for a better start to Game 7 of the World Series.

Dexter Fowler led off the game with a solo homer off Indians ace Corey Kluber, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Time and again, manager Joe Maddon has emphasized the importance of a grabbing an early lead against a Cleveland squad that boasts a vaunted bullpen.

Fowler became the first player to ever lead off a Game 7 of the World Series with a homer. He drilled a 2-1 two-seam fastball on the outer half to straightaway center fielder, a blast estimated at 406 feet and one that left the bat at 103.8 mph, per MLB's Statcast.

Check it out below.