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3 questions for Chicago Cubs heading into Game 5 of NLCS

The Chicago Cubs still have life. With a tense 3-2 victory Wednesday night over the Los Angeles Dodger, the Cubs trail the National League championship series three games to one. Here are three questions going into Thursday's Game 5 at Wrigley Field.

1. Do the Cubs have momentum now?

Once again, momentum is as good as the next day's starting pitcher. The Cubs will need another strong effort from Jose Quintana, who pitched Game 1. The Dodgers have a pretty good one going in ace lefty Clayton Kershaw. He worked 5 innings in Game 1, getting no decision. The Cubs beat him in Game 6 of the NLCS last year at Wrigley to win the NL pennant.

2. Who is available to close for the Cubs?

Anybody but Wade Davis, so says manager Joe Maddon. Davis picked up a 2-inning save in Game 4, throwing 48 pitches. Brian Duensing worked one-third of an inning. He should be OK, and the rest of the bullpen is available.

3. How much of a mental lift did Javier Baez get by hitting 2 home runs after starting the NLCS 0-for-20?

"A lot, a lot," he said. "Since the series before, I've been trying to get a base hit so hard. Tonight I just said to myself not to try too much, and I didn't, and there you have it. I had two good contacts and win the game by 1 run."

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