October 21, 2016

Pounding the Pen

The Cubs took advantage of the Dodgers bullpen for the second game in a row Thursday night as Chicago wins game five of the NLCS 8-4. The Cubs have not done much against the Dodgers starters, with a .169/.260/.270 slash line. Against the relievers, however, the Cubs hit .313/.363/.554. As Chicago sees more of Alberys Baez, Joe Blanton, and Ross Stripling, the better they hit against them.

Dodgers starters faced 100 batters so far in the NLCS, while the relievers faced 92 batters. That means if the Cubs can work Clayton Kershaw a bit in game six so that he leaves before completing seven innings, Chicago will have a chance to get at the back of the Dodgers bullpen before facing Kenley Jansen. With Kershaw properly rested, that will be a tough task.

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