Dodgers regain momentum in NLCS, look to continue success at home

Clayton Kershawtakes command of NLCS Game 2 with a two-hit shutout on the road.

Keeping the Dodgers from going two games down in the NLCS, and from repeating the same scenario of the 2013 NLCS against the St. Louis Cardinals, was no easy task.

This time around, Clayton Kershaw took the Dodgers on his back and gave an exceptional performance to send the NLCS back to Chavez Ravine, and give the Dodgers a chance of clinching a spot in the World Series at home.

Kershaw also matched a Dodgers postseason record for the most perfect innings pitched, going 4 2/3 innings, and matchingSandy Koufaxperformance in Game 1 of the 1963 World Series.

Game 3 should be another close well pitched game withJake ArrietaandRich Hillset to face off on the mound on Tuesday at 8:00 PM EST.

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Jake Arrietawill be looking to spoil the Dodgers’ homecoming and take a 2-1 series lead.

Rich Hillwill try and keep the Dodgers’ momentum going and give Los Angeles a fighting chance.

If the Dodgers can get the bats going early like they’ve done all season long against RHP, and get an early lead, they’ll be alright.

Rich Hill will be able to stay on the mound longer then his last two NLDS starts. This allows him to be able to pitch his way, making it harder for the Cubs batters to read him.

Hill could have the upside in this match up, since onlyDavid RossandBen Zobristhave faced off against Hill.

If Arrieta keeps the Dodgers off the scoreboard, and the Cubs offense comes into form like Game 1.

The Cubs could easily take this game, and just rely on their pitching and defense to seal the game.

In the past, Arrieta has given Dodgers bats a hard time, but wasn’t his best in Game 3 of the NLDS.

For Game 3, the Cubs will most likely shake up their lineup to get the offense clicking.

The Dodgers could stay with the same lineup, but should make a few changes to the lineup to have a better chance hitting against Arrieta.

Changes such asHowie KendrickandCarlos Ruiztaking over forAndrew TolesandYasmani Grandal—or keeping Toles in left field and having Kendrick takeChase Utleyspot at second with Ruiz at catcher.

Since Utley and Grandal haven’t had success against Arrieta, and Toles has yet to receive a pitch from Arrieta.

If the Dodgers rely on Hill like they did with Kershaw in Game 2, the Dodgers could be in deep trouble for Game 3, and be looking to come from behind in the series again with another tough matchup in Game 4.

Next: Dodgers drop Game 1 of the NLCS

WithJohn Lackeyset to start for the Cubs in Game 4 and the Dodgers having to rely on eitherAlex Wood, or rookieJulio Urias, the truth is that this series is just getting started.

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