CLEVELAND – After seizing two must-win victories, the Cubs are one victory away from their ultimate goal of winning a World Series.

And as Addison Russell's grand slam disappeared into an exit in the center field bleachers, the Cubs'  singular mission zoomed into focus.

Russell's slam off reliever Dan Otero in the fourth inning Tuesday night symbolized the resiliency of the Cubs in rolling to a 9-3 victory over the Indans to even this best-of-seven series at three games apiece.

Despite the large margin, closer Aroldis Chapman was needed to get Mike Montgomery out of a jam to end the seventh to preserve a five-run lead and finished with a 11/3-inning, 20-pitch performance – marking the second consecutive game Chapman was needed for more than three outs.

That could play an important factor as the Cubs try to win a Series since 1908 that never has been so attractive, yet so daunting, against Indians ace Corey Kluber in a Game 7.

Kluber has won each of his two Series starts but would be pitching on three days' rest for the second consecutive time.

Short rest didn't exactly help Josh Tomlin, as the Cubs quickly solved his curve with three runs in the fourth and loaded the bases against him before Russell hit his record-setting grand slam on a 2-0 pitch off Otero.

Perhaps it's fitting that Russell hit the slam to vault the Cubs closer to a Series title. When President Theo Epstein traded veteran pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Athletics in a five-player trade involving Russell, that marked the final significant trade designed to help the Cubs rebuild at the expense of veterans.

Russell's slam was the first by a Cub in Series history and the first since Paul Konerko of the White Sox in Game 2 of the 2005 Series.

Russell was the beneficiary of a misplay when right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall cut in front of center fielder Tyler Naquin, resulting in the ball falling safely for a two-run double to cap a three-run first.

Ben Zobrist ran over Roberto Perez in front of home plate and exchanged a hard hand slap with Anthony Rizzo, who pumped his fist after Jason Kipnis' relay throw bounced away from Perez.

Russell joined Bobby Richardson (1960), Hideki Matsui (2009) and Albert Pujols (2011) as the only players to drive in six runs in a Series game.

Kris Bryant started the three-run first with two out by smacking a hanging inside curve on an 0-2 pitch into the left field seats, and Anthony Rizzo provided insurance with a two-run homer in the ninth.

The large run support came in handy for Jake Arrieta, who didn't allow a hit through the first three innings but saw his pitch count climb rapidly. Right fielder Jason Heyward, starting primarily for his defensive prowess, gave Arrieta a reprieve when he made a diving catch to rob Jose Ramirez of a hit before Arrieta loaded the bases.

Arrieta struck out Naquin to end the threat but surrendered a homer to Kipnis in the fifth and was pulled after issuing a walk to Chisenhall on his 102nd pitch with two out in the sixth.

Fortunately for the Cubs, their bullpen was well rested following Monday's day off and that Chapman was available after throwing 22/3 innings and 42 pitches in Sunday's 3-2 win in Game 5.

Before the game, Maddon spoke about the challenges he faced regarding using relievers in the most favorable situations because of the large number of left-handed hitters and switch-hitters.

“It's been hard to match up our righties to their strengths right now,” said Maddon in explaining why he opted to use rookie Carl Edwards Jr. over veteran Pedro Strop to face Mike Napoli to start the seventh inning of Game 5.

“It's not a function of not having confidence in these other people. It's more a function of what's the right matchup based on skill sets. “

mgonzales@chicagotribune.com Twitter @MDGonzales