Chicago Cubs broke out of their slump last night with 10 runs in a rousing blowout of Los Angeles Dodgers to tie the series at two games a piece. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts says the team will not start Clayton Kershaw tonight rather Kenta Maeda. This is a massive risk by Roberts, and one I’m not sure he should make with how Cubs offense looked last night plus the taxing of bullpen in Game 4.

Some might say it’s just one game, but players who had been recently cold found their stroke. This is a scary thought. Anthony Rizzo had a great game with a home run and three driven in. Addison Russell added a two-run blast but had two other long, loud fly ball outs. Cubs looked comfortable at the plate for the first time in the series. That should scare Roberts heading into tonight’s game.

Los Angeles is thinking we can get Kershaw fully rested, and if he needs to save the team from elimination, that’s what he’s going to have to do. That’s a tall task though at Wrigley Field on Saturday night with a fully lubricated crowd. Sure, he did it once before and has been stellar all postseason yet there is an inherent risk as Cubs are favored to win tonight. Roberts will be questioned and criticized if Dodgers do end up losing in six or seven.

Game 5’s are always great. This series has been back and forth, and I expect another close battle with Maeda-Jon Lester. Everyone will be a little tight early on then something will break the levee.

Charlie.