Clayton Kershaw returned to the Dodgers' dugout, plopped onto the bench next to pitching coach Rick Honeycutt and let out a sigh of satisfied relief. Kershaw had just talked his way into one last batter in Game 2 of the National League Championship Series, and that batter, electric Cubs infielder Javy Baez, had just rocketed an inning-ending lineout deep to center field. A 1-0 lead was safe, and the Dodgers were on their way to a victory by that same margin to tie the best-of-seven series at one game apiece.