Final Score NLCS Game 5 – Cubs 8, Dodgers 4: Cubs Go Big in L.A., Move to Within One Win Of World Series

The bats are alive for the Chicago Cubs. Dexter Fowler, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez and Addison Russell all came up big tonight for the Cubs with multiple hits each. Dexter Fowler singled in his first at-bat and scored when Anthony Rizzo – who may never give Matt Szczur his bat back – doubled into the right field corner.

The Dodgers made it close when they scored a run in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game 1-1. It stayed that way until Addison Russell did this.

Addison. Muscle. ?? pic.twitter.com/m7IV0lMeab

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 21, 2016

That home run made the score 3-1 and the Cubs weren’t done there, by any stretch. They would pile on five more runs to bury the Dodgers in the top of the eighth inning. The Cubs got four hits in the inning, the biggest was a bases loaded double by Javier Baez that scored three runs. One minute the fans at Dodger stadium had hope, the next minute the life was completely sucked out of Chavez Ravine.

Meanwhile, Jon Lester was absolutely incredible. He allowed only three runners to get into scoring position over his seven innings pitched.

The Dodgers tried all they could to fluster Lester, to no avail. At this point, I’m not even sure why teams attempt to rattle Jon with their feigned bunts and jumpy movements while on base. The positive for the Cubs is when opposing teams do that garbage it throws that team out of any and all rhythm. So, in a strange way, Lester’s perceived lack of fielding and throwing ability hurts the opposition much more than it hurts the Cubs.

Big offense, big pitching. It was a huge victory by the Cubs. Clearly their biggest win of the year (Box Score).

Stats that matter

• Lester was absolutely filthy – 7.0IP, 1R, 5H, 6Ks
• Anthony Rizzo’s double sparked the Cubs early – 2-for-5, 1R, 2B
• Addison Russell has homered in back-to-back games at just the right time – 2-for-5, 2R, 2RBI, HR
• Javier Baez isn’t a secret any more, he has come out in a huge way – 3-for-5, 1R, 3RBI, 2 doubles, SB
• Dexter Fowler set the tone early – 2-for-5, 2R, 1RBI
• Kris Bryant just keeps on tearing it up in the postseason – 2-for-5, 1R, 1RBI, 2B

Bottom line

The Chicago Cubs are now within one win of the World Series. Those are sweet words to any and all Cubs fans. Of course, the Cubs will have two games in Chicago to get that one win, the first will come on Saturday at 7:08 PM CT and the Dodgers will throw their ace, Clayton Kershaw, at the Cubs.

Sure, it will be tough, but with the Cubs bats heating up – or heated up, as the case may be – and Kyle Hendricks on the mound, I like their chances on Saturday as much as I possibly can while knowing Kershaw will be on the opposing mound. One win away, my friends. One. Win.

Next up

The Cubs will clash with the Dodgers and try to tear down Clayton Kershaw on Saturday night at 7:08 PM CT at Wrigley Field. Kyle Hendricks will take the hill for the Cubs with the World Series on the line. This is going to be good.