Chicago Cubs: Cubs meet Los Angeles Dodgers for NLCS rematch

Recapping prior history

Chicago kicked off their home opener in style, raising the banner and parading around with the World Series trophy. Their opposition was the Dodgers, and they took two of three.

Dodgers @ Cubs 3-2 W
Dodgers @ Cubs 2-0 L
Dodgers @ Cubs 4-0 W

L.A., who had a 43-7 mark at one point, were kick-starting that historic stretch with a sweep over the Cubs in Los Angeles Memorial Day weekend. Alex Wood and Brandon McCarthy blanked Chicago in the first two games.

In what would be billed as a marquee pitching matchup between Kershaw and Lester for the finale, instead was a bit of a clunker as neither made it through five innings in the eventual Dodger 9-4 win.

Cubs @ Dodgers 4-0 L
Cubs @ Dodgers 5-0 L
Cubs @ Dodgers 9-4 L

For his postseason career, Kershaw is 5-7 with a 4.63 ERA. In 2016 he faced the Cubs in Games 2 and 6 of the NLCS. In Game 2 he blanked the Cubs 1-0, allowing just two hits. Kyle Hendricks out-dueled him in the clincher during Game 6.

Historically, Kershaw has struggled in the seventh inning over 10 postseason games (17 ER).

Cubs career statistics vs. Kershaw

Jose Quintana will make his second postseason start. He was terrific in his debut against the Nationals Oct. 9, scattering two hits across 5 2/3 IP, striking out seven, and walking one. Quintana allowed one unearned run on two hits. He also came out of the bullpen Thursday, lasting 2/3 IP, allowing a hit and walk.

Against the Dodgers, he is 0-1, 0.00 ERA in two career starts, both at Dodger Stadium. It will be his first start against them since 2014.

His wife suffered a medical scare on the team charter to L.A. Friday but is reportedly doing well.

Dodgers career statistics vs. Quintana