The Los Angeles Dodgers will play an elimination game against the Chicago Cubs in Game 6 of the 2016 NLCS. The Cubs were down one game (2-1) for the series before their offense heated up in Games 4 and 5. Game 6 will feature a pitching rematch between Clayton Kershaw and Kyle Kendricks.
A lot of media attention is focused on three-time Cy Young Award winner Kershaw but it would be a bad move not to pay attention to Kendricks. During the regular season, Kendricks had the lowest ERA in the league with 2.13.
"This is still the same game," said Kendricks. "You're making the same pitches. It's the same lineup. There's just more going on (on) the outside." Kershaw is regarded as arguably the best pitcher in baseball in this generation. Meanwhile, Kendricks has been nicknamed "The Professor" by his teammates because of how he carefully picks his pitches despite not being known as a hard-throwing pitcher.
40,000 fans will be screaming when Game 6 starts at Wrigley Field. There's so much pressure and expectations but the two pitchers are unfazed with the magnitude of the situation. Both are looking forward to facing each other, each displaying a mutual respect for each other's game.
"I'm looking forward to it," said Kendricks. "It's going to be fun. It should be a close game," he added. As for Kershaw, he said: "He's kind of like the Greg Maddux of this generation, with his ability to sink the ball, cut the ball and put it in spots where hitters are enticed to swing at it but you can't put the barrel on it."
Kendricks is not the only one who thinks highly of Kershaw. Cubs Manager Joe Maddon also acknowledges Kershaw's ability but also reiterated that they will be ready for Game 6. If the Cubs win, it will be their first trip to the World Series since 1945. If Kershaw manages to deliver another brilliant performance, the Dodgers will force a Game 7 for a chance to get to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1988.