Kershaw helps Dodgers level series against Cubs in MLB

Omnisports

October 17, 2016 3:13 AM

Clayton Kershaw led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a series-levelling 1-0 win over the Chicago Cubs in the MLB playoffs.

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Kershaw gave up just two hits and struck out six through seven innings at Wrigley Field on Sunday.

The teams combined for just five hits, one of those an Adrian Gonzalez homer in the second inning.

Kenley Jansen had a six-out save as the Dodgers squared the National League (NL) Championship Series at 1-1.

Game three of the series is in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

KERSHAW IN CONTROL

Kershaw finally got his October narrative under control. The three-time Cy Young Award winner hurled 4.2 innings of perfect ball before allowing hits to Javier Baez and Willson Contreras. Kershaw lasted seven innings in his first scoreless postseason start, striking out six with one walk and only two hits allowed. Kershaw's postseason struggles are well documented - he was 3-6 with a 4.79 ERA in 16 playoff games (12 starts) - but Sunday's start could do wonders for his confidence as he figures to get the ball in game six (if necessary).

Gonzalez becoming Dodgers' Mr. October. The veteran tied game one with a clutch, two-out, two-run single off Aroldis Chapman and came through with another big hit Sunday, blasting a cutter off Kyle Hendricks out of the park for the Dodgers' lone run. Gonzalez has now hit at least one home run in each of the six postseason series he has played with the Dodgers. He sits fifth all-time on the Dodgers' postseason RBI list (since 1958) with 20 RBIs.

Cubs hit Kershaw well but could not get ball out of park. Yes, Kershaw allowed only two hits, but Cubs batters did make some good contact, blasting three balls to the warning track and just missing a home run by Anthony Rizzo that was pulled foul. Hendricks and the Cubs bullpen did a great job of keeping Chicago in the game but his one mistake proved to be costly.

GONZALEZ GOES DEEP

With his second-inning homer, Gonzalez has now hit safely in 12 of his last 14 postseason games.

BLUE JAYS LOOK FOR TURN AROUND

The Toronto Blue Jays trail the Cleveland Indians 2-0 in their American League (AL) Championship Series but return to the Rogers Centre for game three on Monday. Marcus Stroman (9-10, 4.37 ERA) faces the Indians' Trevor Bauer (12-8, 4.26 ERA).

Omnisports

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