Cubs vs. Nationals NLDS Game 5: 3 X-factors for Chicago

1. Kyle Hendricks

Getting guys like Contreras and Bryant going is obviously of huge importance for the Cubs. However, there is not a bigger x-factor in Game 5 of the NLDS than Kyle Hendricks. Hendricks is really coming into his own as the ace of the Cubs staff, and this is a great opportunity for him to cement his status.

Hendricks was absolutely brilliant in Game 1 against the Nationals. He allowed only two hits and not a single run in seven innings to get the Cubs off to a strong start. That Game 1 win was the just the latest in dominant postseason starts for the Cubs right-hander. Hendricks has become somewhat of a big-game postseason pitcher for Chicago in the last year.

He not only out-dueled Clayton Kershaw in Game 6 of last year’s NLCS, sending the Cubs to the World Series, but he also pitched extremely well as the starter in Game 7 of the World Series. In his last four postseason starts, Hendricks has a ridiculously minuscule 0.38 ERA. He has come through in big moments time and time again for the Cubs, and they need him one more time on Thursday.

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Hendricks and his 89 MPH fastball, pinpoint control, incredible command and elite ability to mix speeds had the Nationals off balance throughout his entire Game 1 start. I expect more of the same from him on Thursday night. Guys like Contreras, Bryant, Rizzo and Baez are obviously important, but make no mistake about it, Kyle Hendricks is the single biggest x-factor for the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.