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.” »

NLCS Game 3: Second consecutive shutout win puts Dodgers in the driver’s seat.

Yasmani Grandal

Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run off Jake Arrieta in the fourth inning of the Dodgers’ 6-0 win over the Chicago Cubs. (John McCoy/Staff photographer)

The Dodgers extended their streak of scoreless innings pitched to 18, beating the Chicago Cubs 6-0 to take a two-games-to-one lead in the National League Championship Series.

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

It only took two guys — Corey Seager and Yasmani Grandal — but the Dodgers finally got to Jake Arrieta, writes columnist Jeff Miller.

Grandal at last added some offense to complement his defense, hitting a two-run home run off Arrieta.

Rich Hill got through six shutout innings for the Dodgers, which is no small accomplishment in these playoffs, as columnist Mark Whicker points out.

The Cubs aren’t panicking despite their lack of offense.

Game 4 is a matchup of 37-year-old John Lackey and 20-year-old Julio Urias. Lackey was once a rookie hero for the Angels. Urias has the requisite poise to do the same for the Dodgers.