The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series to advance to the World Series for the first time since 1988. The NL pennant is the Dodgers’ 22nd, which trails only the San Francisco Giants (23) for most in the league’s history.
Even without Corey Seager, who was left off the NLCS roster because of a lower back sprain, the Dodgers buzzed their way through a rematch of last year’s tilt for the NL title. A disciplined approach at the plate, timely hitting, and strong performance from the bullpen overwhelmed the defending champions.
It culminated in an 11-1 victory at Wrigley Field, buoyed by three home runs from Kiké Hernandez, one of which was a grand slam, and six efficient innings from Clayton Kershaw.
Prior to beginning a fifth consecutive postseason run, the Dodgers gathered around the mound at Dodger Stadium at the conclusion of a workout. An emphasis was put on enjoying the moment while remaining focused on the task at hand.
With three celebrations in the books, here’s a compilation of the top highlights from the Dodgers clinching the NL pennant.
Watch the moment the @Dodgers win the National League Pennant on #ClinchCam! #ThisTeam #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/Uj9HqKPBZq
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 20, 2017
Step three. #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/RcNODJe4aw
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 20, 2017
#Dodgers douse Andrew Friedman in champagne (he's standing on a step stool) #ThisTeam #WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/DcDTEMpJQR
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) October 20, 2017
Making it rain, on the way to the World Series!! #WS2017 pic.twitter.com/25rv9e8GOv
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) October 20, 2017
Champagne shower! #WS2017 #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/QuSmbVoZbk
— Justin Turner (@redturn2) October 20, 2017
Soak it in, boys! 🍾 #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/0Pkfrz1BOp
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 20, 2017
Hey @YasielPuig, what’s it like to celebrate going to the #WorldSeries? pic.twitter.com/AIfT2VmxjH
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) October 20, 2017
You think Dre's excited? #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/FNbijuaale
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 20, 2017
Wow, what a job by the guys! Four more wins to go! Keep it rolling. #WS2017 pic.twitter.com/cvjvNhX8VG
— Adrián González (@Adrian_ElTitan) October 20, 2017
Desperate (thirsty 🍾) for that ring 💍!! GOING TO #WORLDSERIES #THISTEAM 4️⃣MORE WINS TO GO @dodgers #CaliforniaLove ☀️ #CuracaoLove 🇨🇼 @MLB pic.twitter.com/Rz7ldJ65Pl
— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) October 20, 2017
