Taylor, Puig power Dodgers past Cubs 5-2 in NLCS Game 1
LOS ANGELES — Although Clayton Kershaw once again failed to dominate in a post-season start, these Los Angeles Dodgers don’t need one guy to carry them.
With a relentless lineup, flawless relief pitching and a collective charisma epitomized by the bat-flipping Yasiel Puig, the Dodgers are still unbeaten in the post-season and off to a strong start in the NL Championship Series.
Chris Taylor hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth inning, Puig added a homer and an RBI double to his dynamite post-season, and the Dodgers overcame a short start by Kershaw for a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night in the NLCS opener.
“We just tried to set the tone early against the Cubs,” closer Kenley Jansen said. “We understand they’re the defending champions, so they’re a really good team. We understand that we won 104 games, but right now it doesn’t matter.”