Dodgers Advance to the World Series for the First Time since 1988

“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of who and when!” – Joe Davis. The Dodgers do what the city of Los Angeles has long been waiting for and advance to the World Series for the first time since 1988.

The Dodgers trusted their ace Clayton Kershaw and he stepped up to the task. Kershaw threw six innings and allowed 1 home run with five strikeouts. Can we finally get the monkey off Kershaw’s back?!? Maybe that’s a little premature, but Kershaw was in control tonight and is very much deserving of that champagne.

The story of the night has to come back to the Dodgers’ offense. A team that has scored 17 runs in the NLCS prior to game 5 and added 9 more runs to that total to end the series. Tonight the offense had an impressive performance. 7 out of the 8 hitters in the lineup tonight had a hit, including Kike Hernandez.

Boy what a night for Kike. The Dodgers’ biggest personality had himself a day with his father in attendance. Kike went 3-4 with three home runs, including a grand slam. I must say, I was the one who called possibly pinch-hitting for Kike in 5th when it was a righty versus a righty. I’m happy to say I’m glad Roberts didn’t listen to me.  We all have heard about this Donald Trump supporter going after Kike for his support with Puerto Rico, but tonight he showed that he’s more than just a just a ‘borderline outfielder.’ Tonight Kike displayed the fight of Puerto Rico on the field.

**EDITORS NOTE KIKE IS THE FIRST DODGER EVER TO HIT 3 HOME RUNS IN THE POSTSEASON.**

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What more can be said about Justin Turner? This guy is becoming a living legend come October. He’s a walking Reggie Jackson. Turner has 24 RBI in the postseason tieing him with Ron Cey for 2nd all-time in Dodgers history for most RBI in the postseason. Turner had the replica shot of Kirk Gibson’s walk-off home run in game 2 and has carried that momentum all throughout the postseason.

As much as the offense has been so dominant, enough can not be said about the work of the bullpen. The combination of Cingrani, Maeda, Fields, Watson, Morrow, and Jansen combined for 23 scoreless innings in the NLCS. The bullpen is the most important factor in the playoffs, and the Dodgers have the best bullpen left.

The Dodgers were the team to beat from the beginning. We knew something was special about this team when they went 47-3 during the regular season. They faced adversity late in the season by losing 15 out of 16 in late August and September. Good or bad, this team was special.

Next: Utley and Granderson's Postseason

This is the Dodger 22nd pennant, and the first time they have gone to the World Series since 1988. Let’s give credit to Dave Roberts for his managerial skills this postseason. He made decisions that were tough to make and also made decisions that went against the grain. Whatever the move was, he had Tommy Lasorda’s blessing. Four more wins to go to complete the end goal. I don’t put it past this team. #ThisTeam