NLCS 2017: Five X-factors which will help Chicago Cubs defeat LA Dodgers

No. 4: That’s Almora

Question: What player on the Chicago Cubs hit .342/.411/.486 versus left-handed pitching during the season?

Hint: This same player hit .444 versus the Dodgers this year.

Another hint? Okay, during night games, his average is .320 including more than 50% of his home runs.

The answer: Albert Almora Jr.

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As seen above, Almora Jr. hits left handed pitching well. The Dodgers will feature three left-handed starters in the NLCS. Sure, one is the legendary Clayton Kershaw, arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball. That task is difficult for any batter. However, Almora Jr. will play a large role in the NLCS because of the Dodgers’ pitching staff.

He should be up to the task. Remember his play in Game 7 of the World Series? Tagging up on Bryant’s deep fly-out put Almora Jr. in position to score when Zobrist came to the plate in the 10th inning. The Cubs wound up winning the World Series because of this play.

But it is not just his clutch hitting and base running that matters. Sure, Almora is a very smart player on offense, but his defense is just as great. He committed only one error all season, and ranged across the outfield to make amazing catches. With him at the plate and in the outfield, the Cubs will be in a position to win.