NLCS Game 6: This is where it ends.

Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw allowed two runs in the first inning of the Dodgers’ season-ending, 5-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs in Game 6 of the NLCS on Saturday. (Getty Images)

CHICAGO — The Dodgers’ season ended at the hands of the Chicago Cubs in a deflating 5-0 loss. The box score is here.

Kyle Hendricks was masterful, writes columnist Mark Whicker. The Dodgers’ bats never came around in the National League Championship Series.

Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill understands the longstanding frustration among a patient Cubs fan base.

Here’s what Dave Roberts said in his final postgame press conference of 2016:
Continue reading “NLCS Game 6: This is where it ends.” »

NLCS Game 5: Cubs gain the upper hand, Dodgers’ season on the brink.

Pedro Baez slow

First base umpire Ted Barrett calls Dexter Fowler safe, having beaten a footrace with Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (right), after pitcher Pedro Baez (foreground) failed to cover the bag. (Stephen Carr/Staff photographer)


The Dodgers will fly to Chicago tomorrow needing two wins to save their season, having lost Game 4 of the National League Championship Series 8-4 to the Chicago Cubs.

The photo gallery is here.

The box score is here.

Joe Blanton found himself on the wrong side of a game-altering home run for the second time in the series.

The Cubs got the start they needed from postseason ace Jon Lester. The Dodgers tried to give Lester a long night on the basepaths. For the most part, it didn’t work.

Speaking of unusual playoff tactics: The Dodgers’ organist provided the soundtrack to the Cubs’ batting practice.

NLCS Game 5: Dodgers, Cubs lineups.

Elana Morales polishes the giant Tommy Lasorda replica championship ring at Dodger Stadium before the start of Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. (Stephen Carr/Staff photographer)

Elana Morales polishes the giant Tommy Lasorda replica championship ring at Dodger Stadium before the start of Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. (Stephen Carr/Staff photographer)

The Dodgers are facing Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester today for the second time in less than a week. Manager Dave Roberts brought back the same starting nine from Game 1, but shook up the batting order.

Carlos Ruiz is batting cleanup for the first time since May. Adrian Gonzalez is batting sixth for the first time since June 16, 2012 — when he started in right field for the Boston Red Sox.

“It’s the same eight guys, but as far as where to put guys, it’s a little bit of a Lester thing, a little bit of a left-handed thing,” Roberts said. “Four-five-six, there’s going to be some opportunities there. Those three guys, I feel good to drive in a run.”

Here are the complete lineups for both teams:

Continue reading “NLCS Game 5: Dodgers, Cubs lineups.” »

Vin Scully is planning to attend Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.

Vin Scully is planning to attend Game 5 of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. Bob Nightengale of USA Today was first with the news.

Scully, 88, hasn’t been to Dodger Stadium since broadcasting his final game here Sept. 25. He’s since appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live but otherwise kept a low profile in the early weeks of his retirement.

There’s been no indication from the Dodgers if Scully will merely attend the game as a fan, be recognized in some capacity on the field or on the video boards, or take part in any pregame presentations.