Needing one more win to reach their first World Series since 1988, the Los Angeles Dodgers were carried by an unlikely source. Kiké Hernandez single-handedly buried the Chicago Cubs with three home runs, making franchise and MLB history in the process.
He attacked the first pitch from Jose Quintana in the second inning for a leadoff home run. Hector Rondon suffered the same fate, as his first pitch to Hernandez was sent into the bleachers for a grand slam.
The Dodgers super-utility man became the fourth player in franchise history to hit a grand slam in a postseason game. The group is comprised of Ron Cey (1977), Dusty Baker (1977) and James Loney (2008). Loney’s also came at Wrigley Field.
With the game well in hand, Hernandez’s third home run pushed the Dodgers ahead, 11-1, in the ninth inning. His seven RBI set an LCS record.
With his father having battled cancer last year, and the death of his grandfather last month, which was followed shortly after by Puerto Rico being devastated by Hurricane Irma, Hernandez has pushed through emotional times.
Hernandez explained in a postgame interview with postgame interview with Heidi Watney of MLB Network that his success was all the more enjoyable in light of recent events:
“I don’t even have words right now. It’s awesome. I’ve never hit three homers in my life in one game, so to do it on a stage like this is amazing. For everything that’s going on back home, to be able to give people of Puerto Rico a little bit to cheer about is awesome and means the world to me. It’s hard being here when your mind and heart is over there. But we’ve got a job to do and four more games to win.”
Hernandez’s father was in attendance for Game 5, while his mother watched from Puerto Rico on a TV that was powered by a generator. Dodgers owner Mark Walter promised Hernandez a donation to his relief efforts if he managed to twice reach base.
“All year long it’s been a collection of guys, and certain guys stepping up,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “Every single night it’s somebody else.
“Tonight was [Hernandez’s] night to shine, and Clayton started the night and throwing a gem. For him to start and pitch the way he did, and for Kiké to have a huge night, three homers tonight, just providing so much energy for us, and we fed off that tonight.”
