Loss to Cubs leaves ‘sour taste’ for Dodgers

CHICAGO — Just a few days ago, the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to be legitimate World Series contenders.

But on Saturday night, when it mattered most, they were reduced to the role of history’s handmaiden. This was a team that had risen above adversity and moved forward in 2016, but here they were merely supporting actors — bit players and extras in the drama of the Chicago Cubs reaching the Fall Classic for the first time in 71 years.

Game Date Matchup 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 CHC 8, LAD 4 Gm 6 Oct. 22 CHC 5, LAD 0 • NLCS coverageShop for postseason gear: Cubs | Dodgers

This was, in every way, not the way the Dodgers wanted their 2016 to end. On Saturday night, at Wrigley Field, in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series, they went quietly in a 5-0 loss. If it is true that the meek shall inherit the earth, based on this performance, the Dodgers are in for some serious acreage.

Left fielder Andrew Toles clanked a fly ball that he lost in the lights, helping the Cubs to a two-run lead in the first inning. In the second, after right fielder Josh Reddick reached on an error, center fielder Joc Pederson stepped to the plate as the potential tying run, but Reddick was promptly picked off first by Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks.

Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw, who had performed heroically in the NL Division Series and stopped the Cubs in Game 2 of the NLCS, was treated like a mere mortal by the Chicagoans.

Kershaw gave up five runs, four earned, in five innings. When he was hit, …

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