A look at the matchup for Game 5 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs
A look at Game 5 of the National League Championship Series between the Dodgers and Chicago Cubs
When: Thursday, 5 p.m.
Where: Dodger Stadium.
TV: FS1. Radio: 570, 1020, 1540.
In-game blog: latimes.com/sports
Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda (16-11, 3.48) vs. Cubs’ Jon Lester (19-5, 2.44)
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts did not say Clayton Kershaw would “absolutely not” pitch in this game — as he did before Kershaw closed Game 5 of the division series — but he came pretty close, and indications are Maeda will indeed make this start.
He has started twice this postseason, and the Dodgers have lost both times. But his four-inning outing in Game 1 of this series was not terrible. He gave up four hits, three walks and three runs, and if he does that Thursday the club should again have a chance to win.
Lester’s Game 1 statistics were good: six innings, four hits, one run. But the Dodgers hit the ball hard against him and Cubs Manager Joe Maddon pulled Lester after 77 pitches. There’s also the matter of his trouble throwing to first base, of which the Dodgers — and every other team in baseball — are aware. The Dodgers need their hits to miss some gloves in order take full advantage.
Twitter: @pedromoura
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