Dodgers News: Kenta Maeda Gets The Ball for Game 5

The Dodgers have confirmed that Kenta Maeda will take the mound and start in game 5 of the National League Series verses the Chicago Cubs.

Maeda has struggled this postseason with an ERA of 9 and giving up 7 runs in just seven innings pitched over 2 starts, however he understand he must deliver verses the Cubs.

I haven’t pitched well, so I haven’t felt any sense of fulfillment.

Regardless of the lack of postseason success for Maeda, Dave Roberts still has confidence in the 16 game winner to give the Dodgers the best chance to win.

Dave Roberts on Game 5: "I have all the confidence in the world in Kenta, that he'll go out and give us a chance to win a baseball game."

— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) October 19, 2016

With much speculation of the potential game 5 appearance of Clayton Kershaw, Roberts put that fire out swiftly saying:

No. Its Kenta.

A lot can be said about the recent starts for Maeda, but the Dodgers organization has confidence in the fact that Maeda has been pitching well despite a few location mistakes that ultimately led to a Dodgers loss in game 1. During the season Maeda was a very serviceable pitcher going 16-11 with a 3.48 ERA and the Dodgers are hoping Maeda is at his best going into game 5.

Maeda must have one thing on his mind that is redemption and “fulfillment”. Look for the Dodgers to put up much needed run support for Maeda in game 5, as they look to rough up the Cubs ace, John Lester.