Cubs one win away from World Series
Jon Lester delivered an excellent performance over seven innings, Addison Russell broke the tie with a home run, and the Chicago Cubs moved within one victory of advancing to the World Series for the first time in 71 years, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-4.
The emerging star, Puerto Rican Javier Báez, was involved in all the important plays made by Chicago on Thursday, something that has become common this October. The second baseman made a sensational defensive play in the seventh inning, when the game was tight, and his three-run double capped a five-run rally that put the score at 8-1.
The Cubs took a 3-2 lead in the National League Championship Series and will have two opportunities to secure their spot in the Fall Classic, as they play at home in Wrigley Field.
The first of those opportunities will come on Saturday night, in the sixth game. Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers' ace, will face Kyle Hendricks, the MLB leader in ERA.