A Tip of the Recap – NLCS Game 5 (Cubs 8, Dodgers 4)
W: Jon Lester (7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K)
L: Joe Blanton (1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K)
MVP: Jon Lester
The Cubs took an early lead on an Anthony Rizzo RBI double and forced the Dodgers to go to the bullpen early, but could not capitalize when they got runners in scoring position. Well, until Addison Russell hit a two-run dinger in the top of the 6th. From there, the offense exploded for 5 runs in the top of the 8th to put the game away. Those offensive struggles we saw for most of the other postseason games? I’m willing to bet they’re long gone. The Cubs now have two games to close out the series at Wrigley, and I wholeheartedly believe they will do just that.
The Good
Jon Lester was fantastic this evening, and his resolve every time the Dodgers got a runner on base was incredible. It’s almost as though runners on base taking huge leads don’t phase him, or something.
Addison Russell hit a two-run bomb to give the Cubs a 3-1 lead that they would not relinquish. He looked good at the plate tonight as he collected a pair of hits, drove in two, and scored two runs. I guess it’s safe to say that he’s out of whatever funk he was in.
Javy Baez was awesome tonight. Not only did he notch three hits and drive in as many runs, but he also made a damn impressive play on a ball that Adrian Gonzalez bunted past Jon Lester. Javy makes difficult plays look really easy, and the energy he plays with is simply incredible to witness. He’s so damn fun to watch.
The Bad
Pedro Baez and his inability to pitch quickly.
The Ugly
Jason Heyward looks absolutely lost at the plate and probably should hit in the 8 spot from now on if he makes it into the starting lineup. That’s about all that needs to be said about that.
Coming Attractions
Baseball heads back to Wrigley as Kyle Hendricks takes on Clayton Kershaw in game 6 on Saturday as the Cubs attempt to clinch their first World Series appearance since 1945 (which I know that everybody and their grandmother knows). First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 central, so head out there early and make your presence known, Cubs fans!