MLB Season Review: Chicago Cubs rout Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in three-game series
National League’s Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers battled it out in an exciting three-game series. Cubs were extraordinary and did a noteworthy job as they completed a 2-1 victory in the series after beating the Dodgers comfortably.
Let us take a rundown of these three games and see how the Cubs beat the Dodgers.
Game 1 – May 2: Chicago Cubs 2 – Los Angeles Dodgers 5
Dodgers managed a 5-2 win in the series starter, as Clayton Kershaw was impressive with his pitching. He had four strike-outs with an ERA of 3.38 in the Dodgers convincing victory. Speaking to reporters, Kershaw said, “It was more of a testament to their
aggressiveness. I mean, it's good not to walk anybody and make them beat you, especially with a lead.”
Cubs’ batters were able to put in only two runs in the opening game. James Russell threw beautifully for the Cubs but that was not adequate to earn a win for his team. He was able to strike-out only three batters on his 83 pitches and permitted six hits
with four earned runs.
Game 2 – May 3: Chicago Cubs 4 – Los Angeles Dodgers 1
During the second game, Cubs defeated the Dodgers 4-1. Cubs’ starter, Ryan Dempster threw the ball in good line as he pitched seven innings and surrendered two walks and six hits on his 116 pitches. Dempster had five strike-outs with an ERA of 8.05.
Dempster said, “That was a big win for us. If we can come in here tomorrow, then we can have a winning road trip on the west coast -- which is not an easy thing to do.”
Dodgers were struggling with the bat and were able to take only one run until the end of the game. Chad Billingsley had a shaky day with the ball as he threw seven innings with an ERA of 3.92 and gave away four hits and two walks with eight strike-outs on
his 101 pitches.
Game 3 – May 4: Chicago Cubs 5 – Los Angeles Dodgers 1
During the final game of the series, Dodgers lost 5-1. Cubs’ centre-fielder Marlon Byrd shined as he struck three RBIs and went 1-for-3 with an average of .295. Cubs’ starter, Carlos Zambrano pitched eight innings and allowed only one run and one walk including
four strike-outs.
Dodgers were able to score only one run in the series finale and failed to dominate the Cubs. Dodgers’ starter, Ted Lilly pitched six innings and gave away five runs, eight hits, five earned runs and one walk on his 84 pitches. However, a group effort kept
the Cubs on top against the struggling Dodgers throughout the series.