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 6: Dodgers, Cubs lineups.

Andrew Toles

Andrew Toles is hitting .500 in the National League Championship Series in his first major league season. (Hans Gutknecht/Staff photographer)

CHICAGO — Andrew Toles’ ascent to the top of the lineup is complete.

Toles, a 24-year-old rookie who began the season in Single-A, will lead off Game 6 of the National League Championship Series for the Dodgers on Saturday. It’s the first time he’s batted leadoff in a major league game.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has used Chase Utley in the leadoff spot against right-handed pitchers throughout the series. (Right-hander Kyle Hendricks is starting Game 6 for Chicago.) Utley is giving the Dodgers longer at-bats — he’s seen 4.03 pitches per plate appearance to 3.70 for Toles — but is still looking for his first hit in the series. Toles has five hits, including two doubles, and one walk in 10 at-bats.

Toles batted second this season once, in September, but otherwise hasn’t hit higher than seventh in his time with the Dodgers.

Here are the full lineups for both teams:
Continue reading “NLCS Game 6: Dodgers, Cubs lineups.” »

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.” »

NLCS Game 4: A controversial call turns into a sloppy mess, and the Dodgers lose.

Angel Hernandez

Home plate umpire Angel Hernandez calls out Adrian Gonzalez (right) at home plate after Willson Contreras (left) tagged him in the second inning of the Dodgers’ 10-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs. (Keith Birmingham/Staff photographer)

The Chicago Cubs, scoreless in Games 2 and 3 of the National League Championship Series, unloaded on the hapless Dodgers in a 10-2 win in Game 4.

The box score is here. The photo gallery is here.

Cubs starter John Lackey, 38, got the better of 20-year-old Julio Urias, writes Mark Whicker. Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell keyed the Cubs’ attack. The Cubs reminded the Dodgers how quickly things can change, writes columnist Jeff Miller.

Adrian Gonzalez criticized MLB’s replay system after he was called out at home plate in the second inning.

MLB’s director of umpires says accusations of balks — like those lobbied toward Clayton Kershaw and Urias — come with the territory.

Here’s more from Gonzalez after the game:

Continue reading “NLCS Game 4: A controversial call turns into a sloppy mess, and the Dodgers lose.” »