Kyle Hendricks will be tasked with taking on the Washington Nationals in Thursday's Game 5 of the National League Division Series.

Hendricks started Game 1, pitching seven shutout innings, allowing two hits and three walks while striking out six.

Over 139 2/3 innings this year, the 27-year-old right-hander posted a 3.03 ERA and 3.88 FIP.

The Chicago Cubs will back Hendricks up with fellow starter Jose Quintana. The left-hander took the ball for Game 3, allowing one unearned run on two hits and one walk over 5 2/3 innings. His efforts were impeded by four errors committed by his defense behind him.

The Nationals forced a Game 5 after winning 5-0 Wednesday on a masterful performance from Stephen Strasburg.