Enrique Hernandez's 3 HRs Bring Dodgers 1st NL Pennant Since 1988

The Los Angeles Dodgers are going to the World Series for the first time since 1988. They defeated the Chicago Cubs 11-1 in Game 5 of the NLCS to avenge their NLCS in Wrigley a year ago. Dodgers left fielder Enrique "Kike" Hernandez hit 3 HR with 7 RBI in a career defining performance providing a small lift to the people of Puerto Rico.

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw pitched six strong innings giving up only one run via a solo HR by Kris Bryant on three hits.

The Cubs were simply overmatched. Even with the Cubs victory in Game 4 they had to scratch and cling for every out. The win last night only seemed to delay the inevitable.

Despite Hernandez's monster night, it was third baseman Justin Turner and center fielder/shortstop Chris Taylor who were the co-winners of the NLCS MVP. Turner drove in seven runs in the NLCS including a walk off home run in Game 2 while Turner hit 2 HR and drove in 5 runs.

Truth be told the Dodgers are incredibly well balanced. There was a bit of uncertainty at the outset of the NLCS when Corey Seager would be unable to play due to a back injury. But Taylor along with Charlie Culberson, who spent most of the season in Triple-AAA, filled in seamlessly. Indeed, Culberson had three hits tonight and would catch the final out of the NLCS on a line drive by Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras.

The Dodgers will host Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday night against either the Houston Astros or the New York Yankees. The Yankees currently have a 3-2 lead in the ALCS and could earn their first AL pennant since 2009 tomorrow night in Houston. Should this come to pass it will mark the first time the Yankees and Dodgers will face off in the World Series since 1981. The two teams have faced each other in the Fall Classic a record 11 times.

However, the Astros could force a deciding Game 7 on Saturday night. Should the Astros comeback they will earn their first AL pennant and become the first team to represent both leagues in the World Series. Of course, the Astros won the NL pennant in 2005.

Regardless of who wins the ALCS, the Dodgers have to be favored to prevail and win their first World Series in 29 years.