On Oct. 19, 2017, Kiké Hernández had the game of his life for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.
Hernández’s remarkable performance helped the Dodgers advance to their first World Series in 29 years.
The Dodgers did not waste any time getting on the scoreboard in their clinching game, and Hernández was a big reason for that. He took Cubs starter Jose Quintana deep in the top of the second inning to give L.A. an early 2-0 lead.
That home run was Hernández’s first of the postseason, although he was just getting started. Hernández went deep again in the third inning, but this time it was with a grand slam as he went to the opposite field off Cubs reliever Hector Rondon to break the game open at 7-0.
Then for good measure, Hernández hit a third home run in the top of the ninth inning to cap off the Dodgers’ 11-1 victory and surely a night that he will never forget. Hernández became the first player to hit three home runs in a postseason game at Wrigley Field, and his seven RBI set an NLCS record.
The first pitch of @kikehndez's AB?
GONE. #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/PVLvXmmNIF
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 20, 2017
The performance was extremely special for Hernández and his family as his father, Enrique Sr., was at Wrigley Field to watch the game. He has previously dealt with cancer, which Hernandez has opened up about the challenges that caused their family to face.
Grand Slam! Kike Hernandez goes yard to put the Dodgers up 7-0 in the third! #NLCS #MLBonTBS pic.twitter.com/ctAmB3Fuf3
— TBS Network (@TBSNetwork) October 20, 2017
Anotha one! Kiké Hernandez goes deep for the third time putting the Dodgers up 11-1 in the ninth. pic.twitter.com/IzuCAHVQLZ
— TBS Network (@TBSNetwork) October 20, 2017
Additionally, this game also happened when Hernández’s native country of Puerto Rico was dealing with the devastation from Hurricane Maria. Dodgers owner Mark Walter promised to donate to the relief efforts if Hernández went deep in Game 5, and he responded with a career-high three home runs.
Kiké Hernández on verge of Dodgers postseason record
Now in his second stint with the organization, Hernández is on the verge of breaking the Dodgers record for most playoff games with the franchise.
It currently belongs to Justin Turner, who has appeared in 87 Dodgers postseason games. Hernández is at 86 games and will tie Turner’s mark whenever he plays in the 2025 World Series.
Considering he’s been the primary starter in left field this October, Hernández figures to break Turner’s record before the 2025 postseason concludes.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
