Dodgers storm WS

CHICAGO (AFP) – Enrique Hernandez smashed three home runs, including a grand slam, and the Los Angeles Dodgers advanced to their first World Series since 1988 by defeating the Chicago Cubs 11-1 on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Dodgers left-fielder, who has helped hurricane relief efforts in his native Puerto Rico, smacked a solo blast in the second inning, a fourrun round-tripper in the third and a two-run shot in the ninth in a recordsetting effort.

''People back home are having a really bad time right now,'' Hernandez said. ''To do something like this is really special. To do something like this on this stage to get us to the World Series, it's incredible.''

The Dodgers dethroned Major League Baseball's defending champions by capturing the best-of-seven National League Championship Series 4-1 and will play for their first World Series crown in 29 years starting Tuesday in Los Angeles.

''It feels good to hear World Series,'' said Dodgers winning pitcher Clayton Kershaw. ''It has been a long time coming for this team. I never thought I would play in a World Series. It's tough to sink in right now.''

They will face the American League winner, either the New York Yankees or Houston Astros, in the best-of-seven final. The Yankees lead that series 3-2 entering game six Friday in Houston. Hernandez set a league championship series onegame record by driving in seven runs and matched another with three homers. ''It's unbelievable. It's amazing,'' Hernandez said. ''It means the world to me. To do this right here, it's like a dream.'' Ace left-hander Kershaw, a threetime Cy Young Award winner as best pitcher, allowed only one run on three hits with five strikeouts over six innings for his sixth playoff win, tying a Dodgers' career record.