The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs in five games in the National League Championship Series to advance to their first World Series since 1988. Just like the regular season, the Dodgers seemingly relied on a different hero throughout the NLCS.
In Game 5, that honor was assumed by Kiké Hernandez in a playoff performance for the history books. Hernandez hit three home runs, including a grand slam in the 11-1 rout.
He became the fourth Dodgers player to hit a grand slam in a postseason game, the first to hit three homers in a single playoff game, and his seven RBI set an LCS record.
Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was masterful in his own right. He allowed just three hits and one run, while striking out five over six shutout innings to avenge his Game 6 loss at Wrigley Field that eliminated the Dodgers from the NLCS a year ago.
The goal is not yet complete though, as the Dodgers still need four more wins if they want to bring the World Series trophy back to Los Angeles. The good news is that All-Star shortstop Corey Seager, who missed the NLCS with a back injury, will likely be able to return for Game 1 of the World Series.
While the Dodgers will get back to work preparing for the Fall Classic, they celebrated an NL pennant and were the toast of social media.
Congratulations to the new champions of the National League. pic.twitter.com/RXMVllCgUE
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 20, 2017
Dodgers2017🎉💙 pic.twitter.com/4O0WgeFYRm
— Cat Scully (@cattherealtor) October 20, 2017
The @Dodgers win!!!! #ThisTeam
World Series here we come! #LetsGoDodgers pic.twitter.com/dvjzIexxFu
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) October 20, 2017
I've got lots of love for the @Cubs and I'm so happy for the @Dodgers! I guess I have to start watching baseball now. #ThisTeam
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 20, 2017
The @Dodgers have been relentless all year. Thumbs up to Dave Roberts for keeping this team with the same intensity and determination
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) October 20, 2017
This game cements Kershaw’s @ClaytonKersh22 legacy in his career. Congrats on your first WS competition
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) October 20, 2017
Congrats @Dodgers. Go represent the NL w pride.
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) October 20, 2017
Congrats @dodgers!! Best all around team top to bottom I’ve ever seen. Now, let’s just win 4 more #ThisTeam
— Shawn Green (@shawngreen15) October 20, 2017
My @Dodgers are going to the World Series! World Series! World Series! World Series! World Series! World Series! World Series! #ThisTeam
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 20, 2017