Cubs’ bats ensure NLCS returns to Wrigley

LOS ANGELES — Fasten your seatbelts.

The National League Championship Series has become exactly what it should be. This is a meeting of two franchises with rich histories, progressive front offices and ultra-talented players, many of whom we’re just getting to know. What fan wouldn’t want to wring as much out of this as we can?

• NLCS Game 5: Tonight at 8 ET on FS1

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 15   CHC 8, LAD 4 Gm 2 Oct. 16   LAD 1, CHC 0 Gm 3 Oct. 18   LAD 6, CHC 0 Gm 4 Oct. 19   CHC 10, LAD 2 Gm 5 Oct. 20 8 p.m. CHC @ LAD FS1 Gm 6 Oct. 22 8 p.m.  LAD @ CHC FS1 *Gm 7 Oct. 23 8 p.m. LAD @ CHC FS1 * If necessary | All times listed ET  • NLCS coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Dodgers

With Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell among the Cubs wearing the biggest smiles after the 10-2 victory in Game 4, the Dodgers’ dream of a short series is gone. The NLCS is tied, 2-2, and that means it will end this weekend at Wrigley Field, before the walls that have been covered in ivy since Bill Veeck had the idea to dress up the brick, which only seems right.

“It’s just an interesting baseball series, man,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “I think it’s great. I think it’s great for baseball. I think if you’re looking to garner new fans, this is a great venue for that. Kids are watching on TV, and it’s very exciting. It’s very exciting stuff.”

We’re talking a best-of-three scenario to see who advances to face the Indians in the World Series, and the stars have aligned to deliver drama at such a level that it might approach the anticipation in Chicago, where a Cubs’ championship hasn’t been celebrated since 1908.

The Cubs last played in the World Series in 1945, and the franchise has suffered through a cruel series of close …

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