NLCS Game 3: Darvish, Dodgers shake off early run en route to 6-1 win

The Los Angeles Dodgers claimed a big 6-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the 2017 NLCS. Here’s your complete recap and highlights.

Game 3 of the National League Championship Series saw a lopsided 6-1 victory by the Dodgers over the Cubs, who can’t seem to catch a break. Despite the Cubs getting on the board first, the Dodgers captured the lead and never looked back. With a 3-0 lead over the Cubs, Game 4 is now a must-win for Chicago to stay alive in the series.

Kyle Schwarber got things started for the Cubs in the bottom of the 1st inning when he sent a long ball to left center field to put Chicago on the board early. The Dodgers answered in the 2nd inning when Andre Ethier went yard to tie the game, but it would be Chris Taylor’s go-ahead home run in the 3rd that put the Dodgers up 2-1.

The Dodgers added to their lead in the top of the 5th inning when Taylor’s triple scored Joc Pederson to make it 3-1 Los Angeles. Later, in the 6th, Carl Edwards Jr. loaded up the bases and allowed Yu Darvish a walk, which scored Yasiel Puig and left the bases loaded. Edwards was able to get out of the inning after striking out Taylor, but it left the Dodgers up 4-1.

In the top of the 8th, the Dodgers added to their lead when Charlie Culberson struck out swinging, but the ball glanced off of catcher Willson Contreras’ arm leading to a passed ball that scored Logan Forsythe. Kyle Farmer’s sacrifice fly to center scored Austin Barnes, making it 6-1 Dodgers, and that was all the Dodgers needed to take Game 3.

Final

Chicago Cubs

1

Los Angeles Dodgers

6

Highlights

Three Stars

Chris Taylor, LF, Dodgers: Taylor had a great game, not only giving the Dodgers the go ahead run but by adding some breathing room with an RBI triple.

Kyle Schwarber, LF, Cubs: The Cubs outfielder gave Chicago its only run of the night to avoid the shutout.

Yu Darvish, P, Dodgers: Schwarber’s home run aside, Yu Darvish had a solid night. He went 6.1 innings and allowed just one earned run and 6 hits with 7 strikeouts.

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Next Game

Game 4 of the National League Championship Series takes place Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. ET and will air on TBS. Lefty Alex Wood (16-3, 2.72 ERA, 151 K) makes his postseason debut for the Dodgers as veteran Jake Arrieta (RHP, 14-10, 3.53 ERA, 163 K) has the start for the Cubs.