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NLCS Game 4 recap: Cubs shellack Dodgers, even series

By Cody Williams

Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) both score against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (17) and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) both score against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 6th inning during game four of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs bats finally came alive en route to a beatdown of the Los Angeles Dodgers in NLCS Game 4, evening the series

71. 10. 9. Final. 2

With John Lackey taking the hill for the Chicago Cubs in NLCS Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the hope around the Windy City was that the bats would finally come alive. After all, the Cubs were weighed down by an 18-inning scoreless streak entering Wednesday’s game. However, it was a Chicago defensive play that seemed to turn the tide of the series.

After Dodgers starter Julio Urias pushed the Cubs’ scoreless streak to 20 innings, Adrian Gonzalez singled off Lackey in the bottom of the 2nd. The first baseman then advanced on a walk before Andrew Toles got a hit that ultimate gave Gonzalez the wave around third. Following a fantastic defensive play, there was a close play at the plate. On the field, Gonzo was ruled out to end the inning. However, replay seemed to show him getting his hand in before the tag was made. Yet, the replay officials didn’t see it that way. The call stood and the inning was over.

Apparently that was the shift in momentum to Cubs needed. Though both teams were held scoreless in the 3rd inning, the visitors finally found life at the plate. Willson Contreras scored Ben Zobrist on a single before Jason Heyward notched an RBI groundout on the following at-bat. Then came the most welcomed sight for Cubs fan as Addison Russell hit a two-run home run to right center, giving Chicago the 4-0 lead.

Lackey continued to pitch well and keep the Dodgers quiet. Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo joined Russell in busting out of a postseason slump, hitting a home run of his own to lead off the top of the 5th inning. Though the Dodgers got two back in the bottom of the 5th, it was still all Cubs as they answered. Chicago exploded for five more runs in the top of the 6th inning, pushing the lead to 10-2. From there, it was simply coasting to the finish line.

The breakouts of Russell and Rizzo, who combined for six hits and five RBIs, were huge in this game. While it’s important that the Cubs were hitting at all given the past two games, those two bats getting hot is enormous for this ball club. They’ve been almost wholly silent in the NLCS. So if they can help lead the way, then the rest of the lineup can follow suit.

Next: 5 Reasons a Cubs-Indians World Series needs to happen

NLCS Game 5 will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20, again being played in Los Angeles. Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on FS1 as it will be Kenta Maeda pitching for the Dodgers against Jon Lester for the Cubs. With the series now tied at 2-2 and only one game left in LA, it’s needless to say that the matchup on Thursday is absolutely pivotal and could determine the series.

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