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Chicago Cubs are down – but they’re far from out in this NLCS showdown

By Jake Misener

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a three-run walk-off home run in the ninth inning to defeat the Chicago Cubs 4-1 in game two of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Justin Turner #10 of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates after hitting a three-run walk-off home run in the ninth inning to defeat the Chicago Cubs 4-1 in game two of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 15: Carl Edwards Jr. #6 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 15: Carl Edwards Jr. #6 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Bullpen trending up

So why should we bother having hope? Because after Game 1, the Cubs had two glaring problems – the offense and the bullpen. After Game 2, at least in my mind, they have one issue – the offense. Sure, Lackey served up an absolute bomb in the ninth, but, prior to that, the relievers handled their business.

Starter Jon Lester didn’t even make it through five – tossing 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball. He consistently failed to locate pitches, walking five on the night. From there, Carl Edwards Jr. turned in 1 1/3 scoreless innings, followed by a scoreless frame from Pedro Strop. Brian Duensing, for the most part, did what he needed to do before giving way to Lackey.

If the bullpen can continue trending up, it will certainly lend some peace of mind to Maddon and pitching coach Chris Bosio. For one more piece of reassurance, look back to last year’s NLCS matchup between these two teams.

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