Hernandez, Dodgers knock out the Cubs
CHICAGO - Kike Hernandez homered three times and drove in seven runs, and the Los Angeles Dodgers romped past the Chicago Cubs, 11-1 on Thursday night behind Clayton Kershaw to reach the World Series for the first time in almost three decades.
Kershaw breezed through six crisp innings and Cody Bellinger had three hits as Los Angeles ended Chicago’s title defense with a dominant performance in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.
Hernandez connected on the first two pitches he saw, belting a solo drive in the second against Jose Quintana and a grand slam in the third against Hector Rondon. Hernandez added a two-run shot in the ninth against Mike Montgomery.
Facing a Cubs lineup that looked miserable all series, Kershaw exhibited his trademark dominance in Game 5. The lefthander held Chicago to one run on three hits and one walk while striking out five before turning the game over to the Dodgers’ bullpen.
Kershaw threw only 89 pitches in the effort and has not exceeded 100 in any start since July, meaning he should be feeling fresh for the World Series.
It’s the first pennant for one of baseball’s most storied franchises since Hall of Famer Tommy Lasorda managed Los Angeles to its last championship in 1988. The Dodgers will host the Yankees or Astros in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night.
Astros turn to Verlander: Justin Verlander agreed to that last-minute trade to the Houston Astros with hopes of another World Series, and has since won all eight games he has pitched.
Eight is not enough. The Astros have to win Verlander’s ninth game — or their season will end short of that goal.
“Obviously. I know this is one of the main reasons I was brought here,” Verlander said Thursday. “This is why I’m here.”
Six days after the big right-hander threw a complete game against the Yankees to put Houston up 2-0 in the best-of-7 AL Championship Series, the teams will be back in Minute Maid Park for Game 6 on Friday night with the Astros facing an elimination game after New York swept three games in the Bronx.
“Well, there’s immediate belief when you have a Justin Verlander go,” manager A.J. Hinch said. “His presence will immediately make everybody sit up straight, stand up a little bit more, have a little bit more energy because of the presence that he brings.”