A close game with the Cubs on the brink of postseason elimination proved to be a ratings blockbuster for Major League Baseball Sunday night.

Game 5 of the World Series averaged 15.3 percent of homes in major markets on Fox, a number that surprised most ratings experts and easily defeated “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, which averaged an 11.6 overnight rating.

The fact the football game was close, too, and featured the perennially ratings-friendly Cowboys against the Eagles, made the baseball figure even more impressive.

According to Sports Media Watch, the 15.3 overnight rating was the best for any non-Game 7 World Series game since Game 6 of the Yankees-Phillies series in 2009 (15.4) and best for a Game 5 since the Yankees-Marlins series in 2003 (15.4).

With no NFL competition on Tuesday night, Game 6 figures to be a massive ratings hit for MLB.

INDIANS: Once again, Manager Terry Francona is torn on what to do in left field.

The good thing is that Carlos Santana isn’t an option.

Francona was forced to start Santana, his regular designated hitter, twice in left at Wrigley Field, where Cleveland had to play under National League rules. Santana more than held his own in Games 3 and 5.

Francona is now trying to decide whether to play Coco Crisp or Rajai Davis in left for Game 6 against Chicago right-hander Jake Arrieta. Davis had two hits and stole three bases in Game 5.

Francona said he’s leaning toward Crisp but wants to discuss it first with bench coach Brad Mills.

n The Indians will have a personal piece of their past at Game 6. Eddie Robinson, the last living member from Cleveland’s 1948 World Series title team, will be at Progressive Field on Tuesday night as the Indians try to win their first championship in 68 years.

The 95-year-old Robinson was the starting first baseman on the ’48 team, which featured Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller, Larry Doby, who broke the AL color barrier, shortstop/manager Lou Boudreau and pitcher Bob Lemon.

CUBS: Manager Joe Maddon anticipates closer Aroldis Chapman will be available for another long outing in Game 6.

Chapman threw 42 pitches in Game 5, getting the first eight-out save of his major league career.

n Rookie catcher Willson Contreras is set to start in Game 6, with Jake Arrieta on the mound.

David Ross, a 39-year-old in his final big league season, started Games 1 and 5 along with pitcher Jon Lester.

Contreras started Games 2, 3 and 4 for Chicago.