NLCS Game 3: Dodgers shutout Cubs 6-0 to take control

NLCS Game 3: Five takeaways from a crucial win for Los Angeles against Chicago

By Keith Rivas | Oct 18, 2016

Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Enrique Hernandez (14) celebrates with left fielder Howie Kendrick (47) after beating the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal (9) hits a RBI during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs in game three of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

While defense has driven Los Angeles to two straight shutouts of the best team in baseball, it takes offense to win games in the playoffs.

No exceptions.

A timely home run was the downfall of the Dodgers in Game 1, but it was the exact opposite in their NLCS homecoming.

https://twitter.com/Dodgers/status/788593107336040448

Homers from Yasmani Grandal and Justin Turner propelled the offense to keep pouring it on against Chicago and not let off the gas.

It worked to perfection.

Youngsters Corey Seager and Joc Pederson were also part of run production for L.A.

Considering the way that Chicago has hit — or lack thereof — in back-to-back games, it’s telling when Kris Bryant has half of his team’s hits in a playoff game.

Let alone the NLCS.

Los Angeles out-hit Chicago by the same number of runs they won by — six. The Dodgers connected for ten hits in the game contrasting just four from the Cubs.

Outside of Bryant, only Anthony Rizzo and Dexter Fowler got on base from a hit.

Home/Los Angeles Dodgers

The L.A. offense is alive and well