3 questions for Chicago Cubs before tonight's NLCS Game 2

LOS ANGELES — The Chicago Cubs find themselves down 1-0 in the National League championship series after falling 5-2 Saturday night to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Here are three questions heading into Sunday night's Game 2.

1. What is the biggest concern for the Cubs?

Without a doubt, it's the bullpen. Hector Rondon, just activated for the NLCS, gave up a homer, as did Mike Montgomery. Jon Lester starts for the Cubs in Game 2. He worked in relief in the NLDS, and if he can't go deep, a beat-up and beleaguered Cubs bullpen could be in trouble.

2. Will Albert Almora Jr. get another start?

It's highly likely, with the Dodgers throwing former Cubs lefty Rich Hill. Almora, a right-handed batter, homered in Game 1 against Dodgers ace lefty Clayton Kershaw. He also is the Cubs' best option in the big center field at Dodger Stadium.

“Albert hits lefties,” said Cubs manager Joe Maddon. “He really does a nice job of that. He's been swinging the bat really well. Bully for him.”

3. Did Maddon really invoke the Cook County soda pop tax?

Yes, he did. In fact, he had to explain it to the Los Angeles and national media after he compared the repealed pop tax to the catcher-collision rule.

“The soda tax, where are the Chicagoans here?” he asked in his postgame news conference. “Suddenly we're taxing soda back there. My point is all rules that are created, or laws, aren't necessarily good ones. That's my point.”