Tangled Up In Blue: NLCS Open Game Thread

The Cubs offense woke up last night like an Eldritch horror emerging from a long, raging slumber, and brought their pent-up fury to bear on the Dodgers pitching staff on Wednesday. Now, with what could be their final home game of the season, Los Angeles will send its second straight rookie out to the mound to try and tame the frothing tentacle-beast of Chicago’s North side.

Cubs at Dodgers (Series tied 2-2) 5:00 PM PT on FS1

Much was made this year of the Dodgers’ inability to hit left-handed pitching, and considering their league-worst 72 wRC+ against them this year, it is fair to be concerned (or excited, if you are leaning towards the Cubs) with Jon Lester on the hill tonight. In moving Enrique Hernández and Justin Turner up in the lineup and starting Yasiel Puig, Dave Roberts is clearly hoping to create a spark of some kind. Considering Kenta Maeda’s struggles this postseason, however, The impact will likely need to be pronounced. Maeda has excellent stuff, but has not made it past the 4th inning in either of his starts, and has been unable to match the success he had in his first year in the MLB during the regular season.

Today's Lineups

Enjoy the game, and let's all try and treat each other a bit more like Anthony Rizzo's corny self would.

This moment between the @Cubs Anthony Rizzo and umpire Angel Hernandez is what sports is all about https://t.co/v0HoGHX0mL

— Luis Antonio Perez (@NorthsideLou) October 20, 2016