Skip to main content

Dodgers Win First Pennant Since 1988

dodgers celebrate defeating the Chicago Cubs
Support Provided By

The Los Angeles Dodgers could learn Friday who they'll face in the World Series

The Dodgers will open the World Series Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, facing either the New York Yankees or Houston Astros.

Game 6 of the American League Championship Series is set for Friday in Houston with the Yankees leading the best-of-seven series three games to two.

Manager Dave Roberts said Clayton Kershaw will pitch for the Dodgers in the first World Series game at Dodger Stadium since Oct. 16, 1988 when Orel Hershiser, now a Dodger broadcaster, pitched a three-hit shutout in a 6-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

"We've heard 1988 for so long in L.A., it feels good to say that we're getting to go to the World Series in 2017," said Kershaw, who has been with the Dodgers since 2008.

"When you're a kid, you just hope you make it to the big leagues so to get to go say you're going to go play in the World Series, it's an incredibly special moment. Up there with getting married and having kids, it's right up there with one of the best days of my life."

Starting shortstop Corey Seager, who was left off the 25-player roster for the National League Championship Series because of a back injury, is expected to return for Game 1 of the World Series, Roberts said.

Kike Hernandez hit three home runs, including a third-inning grand slam, Thursday as the Dodgers won the National League Championship Series four games to one, ending the longest pennant drought in franchise history.

"All year long it's been a collection of guys, and certain guys stepping up." Roberts said. "Every single night it's somebody else. Tonight was his night to shine."

This was the 11th time a player hit three home runs in a postseason game. Hernandez was the fourth Dodger to hit a grand slam in a postseason game, joining Dusty Baker and Ron Cey (both 1977) and James Loney (2008), according to ESPN Stats & Info.

Cody Bellinger and Charlie Culberson also both had three hits as part of the Dodgers 16-hit attack.

Chris Taylor and Justin Turner were selected as the co-MVPs of the series.

Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after defeating the Chicago Cubs 11-1 in game five of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 19, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois.The Dodgers advance to the 2017 World Series. | Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Kershaw limited the Cubs to three hits over six innings and struck out five for his sixth postseason victory, tying Burt Hooton for the team record. Chicago was held to one hit over the final three innings by three Dodger relievers.

Hernandez drove in seven runs with a solo homer in the second and a two- run homer in the ninth in addition to the grand slam during the five-run third.

The Dodgers, who never trailed, opening the scoring in the first when Bellinger doubled in Taylor, who walked.

Turner singled in Taylor, who doubled leading off the third.

Logan Forsythe doubled in Bellinger, who singled, and Yasiel Puig, who reached first on a fielder's choice, in the fourth.

Kris Bryant homered in the bottom of the fourth for Chicago's lone run.

Cubs starter Jose Quintana was charged with the loss, allowing six runs and six hits in two innings. He was relieved by Hector Rondon after each of the first four Dodger batters reached base in the third.

Rondon struck out Forsythe, the first batter he faced, then allowed Hernandez's grand slam.

"The better team won over the course of these five games," Chicago manager Joe Maddon said. "They played really well. They kind of outpitched us and everything else."

Celebrations broke out following the victory, including a large group that gathered at Whittier Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue in East Los Angeles. Los Angeles City Hall and the U.S. Bank Tower were among the downtown Los Angeles buildings lit in blue.

"The Dodgers embody everything we love about L.A. -- the grit, resilience, teamwork and talent that have built our city into one of the world's most extraordinary places," Mayor Eric Garcetti said.

"Only four wins stand between us and the championship that Angelenos have been waiting to bring home for a generation. I can't wait to lose my voice cheering for this team in the Fall Classic."

Top Image: The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate defeating the Chicago Cubs 11-1 in game five of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 19, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Dodgers advance to the 2017 World Series. | Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Support Provided By
Read More
A row of cows stands in individual cages along a line of light-colored enclosures, placed along a dirt path under a blue sky dotted with white puffy clouds.

A Battle Is Underway Over California’s Lucrative Dairy Biogas Market

California is considering changes to a program that has incentivized dairy biogas, to transform methane emissions into a source of natural gas. Neighbors are pushing for an end to the subsidies because of its impact on air quality and possible water pollution.
A Black woman with long, black brains wears a black Chicago Bulls windbreaker jacket with red and white stripes as she stands at the top of a short staircase in a housing complex and rests her left hand on the metal railing. She smiles slightly while looking directly at the camera.

Los Angeles County Is Testing AI's Ability To Prevent Homelessness

In order to prevent people from becoming homeless before it happens, Los Angeles County officials are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to predict who in the county is most likely to lose their housing. They would then step in to help those people with their rent, utility bills, car payments and more so they don't become unhoused.
blue themed graphic including electric vehicles are charging stations, wind turbines and trees, 2023 in reference to year

A Look Back at Climate Solutions In 2023

The U.S. may have a long way to go in its decarbonization goals, but these stories show signs of progress in climate solutions.