Chicago Cubs: Cubs meet Los Angeles Dodgers for NLCS rematch

NLDS numbers

In the NLDS the Cubs slashed .180/.285/.280/.565 and hit two home runs, but none of the three wins. The starters had the best ERA among all postseason teams (1.69) spanning 26 2/3 IP.

For L.A., they slashed .298/.397/.462/.858, slugged nine home runs and 18 RBI in their three-game sweep. Starters posted a 4.11 ERA in 15 1/3 IP.

While the Cubs bullpen has struggled (6.75 ERA) they accounted for two of the wins over Washington but allowed 10 ER in the eighth inning. The 13 earned runs were the most among all playoff teams. Arizona surrendered 13 runs, 11 ER to L.A.

The Dodgers posted a 2.31 ERA spanning 11 2/3 IP. Manager Joe Maddon shared his thoughts on the matchup:

"“Right now, we’re playing with that same kind of mental acumen and edge that I’ve seen the last two years,” Joe Maddon said Friday. “Probably from the second half of ’15 to last year to right now, it’s very familiar. The first half of this year was unfamiliar. Now this is becoming more familiar again. “Why? Because, like I’m saying, I just think the guys became more mentally engaged.”"