NLCS Game 1, Dodgers vs. Cubs: Highlights, recap and more

The Dodgers claimed Game 1 of the NLCS 5-2 over the Cubs in a game that saw Cubs manager Joe Maddon ejected from the game after a disputed call.

Game 1 of the National League Championship Game was postseason baseball at its best. From an overturned lead to an overturned call that led to Cubs manager Joe Maddon being thrown out of the game, this game had it all. In the end, the Los Angeles Dodgers took Game 1 after a 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.

NLCS Game 1 was a pitchers duel between Clayton Kershaw and Jose Quintana through the 4th inning. Chicago got on the board in the top of the 4th when Albert Almora had a two-run blast to left field to put the Cubs up 2-0. Los Angeles answered in the 5th inning with an RBI double from Yasiel Puig that scored Logan Forsythe. Next was Charlie Culberson’s sac fly that scored Austin Barnes to tie the game at 2 apiece. A Chris Taylor solo shot to right put the Dodgers up 3-2 in the bottom of the 6th.

Things got interesting in the bottom of the 7th. Puig got his first career postseason home run with a solo bomb to left field in the bottom of the 7th inning to put the Dodgers up 4-2. Then Turner sent a grounder to Kyle Schwarber that allowed Culberson to score, but he was initially called out. After a review, the call was overturned and Cubs manager Joe Maddon was ejected from the game after voicing his displeasure. That was all the Dodgers needed and they won the game 5-2.

Final

Chicago Cubs

2

Los Angeles Dodgers

5

Highlights

Three Stars

Albert Almora Jr., CF, Cubs: Albert Almora Jr’s two-run homer in the 4th inning put the Cubs on the board and gave them the only runs of the game. Almora Jr didn’t have any trouble going deep against Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, and his runs ensured that there would be no shutout tonight.

Yasiel Puig, RF, Dodgers: Puig is having a banner postseason. Tonight’s game included an RBI double and his first career postseason home run. Not too shabby.

Charlie Culberson, SS, Dodgers: Charlie Culberson had a lot riding on his shoulders in Game 1 of the NLCS after being called upon to start the game for All-Star shortstop Corey Seager, whose back injury has taken him out of the NLCS entirely. Culberson started out with a clutch sacrifice fly in the 4th inning to tie the game, then his hustle to home plate put the Dodgers up 5-2. Not a bad start to Culberson’s postseason career.

Next: Ranking every World Series winner

Next Game

The NLCS action continues on Sunday as the Dodgers and Cubs face off once again from Los Angeles. Jon Lester (LHP, 13-8, 4.33 ERA, 180 K) will be on the mound for the Cubs while Rich Hill (LHP, 12-8, 3.32 ERA, 166K) has the start for the Dodgers. Game 2 starts at 7:30pm ET and will be broadcast on ESPN.