The Cubs Could be in Trouble After Losing Their Second Straight NLCS Game

The prohibitive preseason favorites to win the World Series have their fans in Chicago and all over the nation biting their nails and hoping that the curse of the Billy Goat does not continue.  The Chicago Cubs lost to the Dodgers 6-0 in game 3 of the NLCS, LA now holds a 2-1 series lead with game 4 scheduled for 6:08 PM today.

The 'lovable losers' which the Cubbies have affectionately become known as over the years, have crumbled like a clay statue the past two games of the NLCS, as they have been shutout in both contests.  Chicago won a league best 103 games during the regular season, and did so with dominant pitching and tremendous hitting, however their offense has stalled the last couple of games against the Dodgers.

To make matters worse, the Cubs are now 1-6 in the NLCS the past couple of seasons as they got swept by the Mets last year.  Chicago has also seemed to lose any offensive momentum from the regular season in the league championship series too as they've hit a dismal .163 during the most crucial time of the post season.

Another reason for concern for the "North Siders" is that ace and former Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta pitched for them in game 3, gave up four runs and no walks, but due to lack of run support, was put in a terrible situation.  Things won't get any easier for the Cubs as the Dodgers will play games 4 and 5 at Chavez Ravine, and rookie pitcher Julio Urias who led the majors with six pickoffs, will be on the mound for tonight's game.

If the series makes it back to Chicago, the Cubs will have the daunting task of facing the rejuvenated Clayton Kershaw who single handedly defeated them 1-0 in game 2, and is scheduled to start game 6 at Wrigley.  Kershaw, who has struggled mightily in the past during the postseason, has found his mojo and sustained tremendous success during the 2016 Divisional and league championship series.

This is supposed to be the year where the Chicago Cubs finally end their 108 year drought of not winning a World Series.  Life long fans of this beloved franchise are holding their collective breathes hoping that they can rebound.  By no means is this series with the Dodgers over yet, however, if the Cubs don't find their offensive rhythm, then it could be the Dodgers making their first Fall Classic appearance since 1988.