Watch: Adrian Gonzalez homers in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series.

CHICAGO — Adrian Gonzalez‘s home run off Kyle Hendricks gave the Dodgers a 1-0 lead in the second inning of Game 2 of the National League Championship Series.

Here’s what it looked like:

NLCS Game 1: Miguel Montero’s grand slam thwarts Dodgers’ comeback.

Adrian Gonzalez slow

Cubs catcher David Ross tags out Adrian Gonzalez (23) as Gonzalez attempts to score from second base on a Kenta Maeda single in the second inning of the Cubs’ 8-4 win in Game 1 of the NLCS. (Associated Press photo)

CHICAGO — Joe Blanton hung an 0-2 slider to Miguel Montero with the bases loaded in the eighth inning and Montero made the Dodgers pay. His grand slam broke open a 3-3 tie and the Dodgers ultimately lost Game 1 of the National League Championship Series, 8-4. The box score is here. The photo gallery is here.

The Cubs’ vaunted defense set the tone early in a close game.

What’s the point of pain if the rest of us can’t find delight in the suffering of others, asks columnist Jeff Miller.

Clayton Kershaw will take the ball Sunday for the third time in six days, which he’s never done before. Some notes on that, Tommy Lasorda’s health, and the new-look NLCS roster can be found here.

Here’s what they were saying after the game:

Continue reading “NLCS Game 1: Miguel Montero’s grand slam thwarts Dodgers’ comeback.” »

Clayton Kershaw will start Games 2, Rich Hill Game 3, of NLCS.

Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw raises his arms after recording the save in Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals on Thursday. Kershaw starts Game 2 of the NLCS on Sunday. (Getty Images)

CHICAGO — Clayton Kershaw will start Game 2 of the National League Championship Series for the Dodgers on Sunday, and Rich Hill will start Game 3 on Tuesday in Los Angeles, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced Saturday.

“It’s not complicated in the sense that if he feels good, it’s a no-brainer,” Roberts said of Kershaw.

“I feel fine. I feel good. I feel excited,” Kershaw said.
Continue reading “Clayton Kershaw will start Games 2, Rich Hill Game 3, of NLCS.” »