Clayton Kershaw tossed six innings of three-hit ball and reserve outfielder Kike Hernandez smashed three home runs, including a grand slam, and drove in seven RBI as the Dodgers posted an 11-1 victory over the Cubs to win the National League Championship Series and earn their first trip to the World Series since 1988.
The Dodgers dominated the defending champs in a 4-1 series victory that came on the heels of a three game sweep of Arizona in the division series.Los Angeles now awaits the winner of the American League Championship Series, where the Yankees hold a 3-2 edge over the Astros going into Friday's Game Six.
Kershaw, who has struggled some in the post season, exorcised his demons with a strong outing that was backed up by relief pitchers Kenta Maeda, Brandon Morrow and Kenley Jansen.
The Dodger bullpen set a major league record for scoreless innings, going the entire playoff without giving up a run.
Chris Taylor and Justin Turner were named co-MVPs for the NLCS but Yasiel Puig and Jansen could have easily won the award as well.
Charlie Culberson, who spent most of the season in Triple-A, played a stellar shortstop and went 3 for 5 at the plate, including a triple. Cody Bellinger also went 3 for 5 as the Dodger bats racked up 16 hits against Chicago pitching.
Cubs starter Jose Quintana, who stifled the Dodgers in Game One, lasted only two innings as the Dodgers scored in the first two innings before putting up a five spot in the third inning.
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