Five years ago, the Cubs embarked on a historic journey that will go down as one of the most impactful seasons in professional sports.

Throughout 2021, we’re taking a look back at some of the best moments from the incredible 2016 campaign.

Next up: NLCS Game 6 – The Cubs win the Pennant!

In front of sellout crowd of 42,386 at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs won the NL Pennant and were on their way to the World Series.

It was the Cubs night from the get-go, starting in the bottom of the 1^st. Dexter Fowler doubled down the right field line and was driven in by Kris Bryant single as the Cubs drew first blood.

Anthony Rizzo hit a line drive to left field which Andrew Toles dropped, leaving runners at 2^nd and 3^rd with no outs. Ben Zobrist hit a sac fly to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead, which was more than enough for Kyle Hendricks.

The Professor tossed arguably his best career start that evening, going 7.1, striking out 6 while allowing 2 hits and 0 runs. For reference, Hendricks has only one other career outing with 7+ IP, 6+ strikeouts, 2 or less hits and 0 runs allowed (it happened the following postseason).

As the 9^th inning started, everyone at the Friendly Confines was on their feet. Aroldis Chapman induced a game-ending double play to secure the win, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

This was a night Cubs fans around the world will never forget.

Fun Facts

• Willson Contreras hit his 1^st career playoff home run in the 4^th inning
• Rizzo hit a solo home run in the 5^th inning off Clayton Kershaw. Rizzo has a .323 lifetime average against Kershaw
• Javy Báez and Jon Lester were named co-MVP’s of the NLCS, the first time that’s happened since 1990 (Randy Myers & Ron Dibble for CIN)
• The time of game was 2 hours, 36 minutes