The Cubs took a 1-0 lead over the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series after one of the most memorable eighth innings in team’s history. The Dodgers tied the game at three in the top of the eighth on a two-out, two run single by Adrian Gonzalez off Aroldis Chapman. But these Cubs don’t quit and do not allow the past to influence the present.
Miguel Montero blasted the first pinch-hit, go-ahead Grand Slam in postseason history. Dexter Fowler launched a solo home run and the back-to-back jacks gave the Cubs an 8-3 lead. The Cubs held off the Dodgers in the ninth and won 8-4.
Javier Baez had another big impact on a game this postseason. Baez has stepped up on the biggest stage and he helped the Cubs take an early lead in Game 1. Baez went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored, a RBI and a stolen base. Baez became the first player in Cubs’ history with two extra basehits and a stolen base in a postseason game. Baez drove in Jason Heyward in the second inning with a bloop, hustle double to left center. And Javy ‘The Jet’ Baez scored the Cubs’ third run when he stole home.
Baez turned a mistake into a run with a play that simply isn’t done. Baez broke down the third baseline too far on what appeared to be a bunt play with Jon Lester at the plate. Baez took off for the plate when Carlos Ruiz threw to third base and he beat Justin Turner’s return throw.
Javier Baez became the first Cubs’ player to steal home in a postseason game since Jimmy Slagle in Game 4 of the 1907 World Series according to multiple reports. Christopher Kamka could not find in the box scores of the 1907 World Series where Slagle stole home. Baez is the first player to steal home in a postseason game since the Rangers’ Elvis Andrus in Game 2 of the 2010 ALCS. Baez is the 19th different player to steal home in a postseason game, sixth in the Wild Card era.
Javier Baez is 8-for-20 with two doubles, a home run, a walks, five runs scored and three RBI in five games this postseason.
ESPN reported that Javier Baez might be the most exciting player in baseball. And the Sun-Times called Baez, Señor October.
For the Cubs, Javy has picked the right time to put it all together.
NLCS News and Notes
Here are the post-game reports and notes from Game 1 of the NLCS …
• The Tribune reported the Cubs reaction to Miguel Montero’s grand slam.
• According to the Tribune, biggie from Miggy Montero saves Cubs and gets Joe Maddon off the hook.
• The Sun-Times reported Montero Grand Slam in the eighth lifts Cubs over Dodgers in NLCS opener.
• Comcast SportsNet explained Miguel Montero’s wild ride from Cubs afterthought to playoff hero. ESPN Chicago reported on Miguel Montero, the Game 1 hero without a starting job.
• Tim Brown – The beautiful chaos that was Game 1 of Dodgers-Cubs
• According to Comcast SportsNet, Cubs prove once again they can overcome adversity with crazy win.
• Comcast SportsNet reported Dave Roberts said he would do the same thing over again in the eighth inning.
• According to the Tribune, heeding Jon Lester’s advice to ‘grind along with team’ is a good thing. ESPN Chicago reported Jon Lester doesn’t get paid to make decisions, he gets paid to pitch.
• Comcast SportsNet reported with broken belt in tow, Dexter Fowler looks to tie up loose ends with Cubs.
• David Ross doesn’t know if his heart can take any more according to the Tribune.
• Jason Heyward’s leadoff triple in the second inning of Game 1 had a 109.3 mph exit velocity … by far the hardest hit ball he’s had in the postseason according to Daren Willman.
• According to Statcast, of the 40 balls hit like Andre Ethier’s homer in the 2016, only one was hit and none of them left the yard.
• Adrian Gonzalez’s two-run single in the eighth had an exit velocity of 104.7 mph, the hardest hit ball all season off Aroldis Chapman.
• And speaking of exit velocity … Miguel Montero’s slam (105.3 mph), Dexter Fowler’s home run (99.4 mph), Kris Bryant’s double (98.4 mph)
Dodgers NLCS Rotation
Dave Roberts made official what was already known. Clayton Kershaw will start Game 2 and Rich Hill will start Game 3 at Dodger Stadium.
Pitching matchups for the next two games of the NLCS:
- Game 2 – RHP Kyle Hendricks vs. LHP Clayton Kershaw
- Game 3 – RHP Jake Arrieta vs. LHP Rich Hill
• Report from Comcast SportsNet
News and Notes
• Jon Lester walked twice in his two plate appearances in Game 1 of the NLCS. Lester became the first Cubs pitcher to walk two times in a postseason game since Lefty Tyler in Game 4 of the 1918 World Series. Tyler was walked twice by Babe Ruth.
• Comcast SportsNet explained why the Cubs chose Rob Zastryzny over Tommy La Stella for the NLCS.
• Expectations? Pressure? The Cubs have embraced it all along according to ESPN Chicago.
• Javier Baez and Willson Contreras are enjoying the limelight according to the Tribune.
• According to Bruce Levine, Joe Maddon preachers absolute simplicity to his Cubs.
• Christopher Kamka pointed out 10 of the Cubs’ 24 RBI (41.67%) this postseason have come out of the nine-spot in the lineup.
• Jason Hammel tweeted before Game 1, “Eight more Cubs fans! Starts tonight! Jon Lester leading the way! The Ivy is waiting … #LetsGoCubbies #It’sOpeningDayEveryDayInOctober.”
This Day in Cubstory
2012 – Cubs received Marcelo Carreno and cash from the Tigers to complete the trade for Jeff Baker
2007 – The Orioles selected Roberto Novoa off waivers from the Cubs
2006 – Cubs signed Lou Piniella to a three-year contract to manage the team. Piniella will be paid more than $10 million over the guaranteed three years on a contract that includes an option for a fourth season. Piniella replaced Dusty Baker in the dugout after Jim Hendry did not renew Baker’s contract.
1998 – Cubs granted free agency to Micah Franklin, Bry Nelson and Alan Zinter
1995 – Cubs granted free agency to Paul Abbott, Mike Campbell, Darron Cox, Joe Kmak and Todd Pratt
1987 – Cubs traded Chico Walker to the Angels for Todd Fischer
1971 – Cubs released Al Spangler
1959 – Brian Harper, born
1953 – Rodney Scott, born
1885 – Cap Anson agreed to let William Medart umpire the third game of the championship series in St. Louis. The Browns won the game 7-4 and evened the series at a game apiece. Medart reportedly gave every close decision/call to the home team and barely escaped violence from Chicago’s Jim McCormick and Billy Sunday.