NLCS: Joe Maddon gets tossed in Chicago Cubs loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers

Takeways from Game 1 of the National League Championship Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

The NLCS started off with a bang for the Cubs, with a two-run homer by Albert Almora Jr. in the 4th inning, giving them the early advantage. The Dodgers struck back, chipping away and eventually tying the game in the fifth inning. Then, in a stunning move, with the game tied at 2-2 in the 5th, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts pinch hit for Clayton Kershaw, who had only logged 87 pitches at the time. The gamble eventually paid off, and now Kershaw will be well rested for a likely game four start and potential game seven nod.

In the bottom of the seventh, things unraveled for the Cubs, starting with a moonshot homerun by Yasiel Puig setting the tone. Later that same inning, Kyle Schwarber gunned out Charlie Culberson at the plate —  starting in the place of injured All-Star SS Corey Seager — but was then overturned since Willson Contreras blocked the plate before he received the ball.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon was ejected after arguing the call, which you can see for yourself with these image stills:

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According to the rule book, it was the right call and Maddon, known for being a hothead, lost his mind like a little kid throwing a temper tantrum. Cry me a river, Maddon, who has been on the receiving end of many favorable calls, especially a few against the Washington Nationals which aided the Cubs in advancing to the NLCS.

That toughness I discussed a few days back was lacking tonight, where the Cubs let little things, such as that, affect the outcome of the game.

The Dodgers bullpen closed things out and they took game one 5-2, and have early control of the series. The Cubs don’t have the pitching to hang with the Dodgers, who are the heavy favorite in this series, and if they win one game I will be surprised, fully expecting the Dodgers to win this series in a quick four games.

Next: 2017 St. Louis Cardinals Season Review and 2018 Preview

The NLCS continues tomorrow with first pitch for game two set for 6:38 EST on TBS between Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers.