Dodgers' Hernandez makes history with 3-HR outburst in Game 5
Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Kike Hernandez made history Thursday at Wrigley Field, launching a trio of home runs against the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series to become just the 10th player in MLB history with three homers in a postseason game.
Making his fourth start of the playoffs, Hernandez stroked a second-inning solo shot off Jose Quintana, ripped a third-inning grand slam off Hector Rondon, then took Mike Montgomery yard for a two-run shot in the ninth inning to set a new Dodgers single-game postseason record with seven runs batted in.
Add another one for Kiké Hernandez. Number three on the night! pic.twitter.com/guzMwJQeEX
— Today in MLB (@TodayintheMLB) October 20, 2017
Before Hernandez, whose historic performance pushed the Dodgers to an 11-1 victory and their first World Series berth since 1988, no player had ever driven in more than six runs in a three-homer postseason game.
Players with 3-HR postseason games
| Player (Team) | Date | Series | HR | RBI | WPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kike Hernandez (LAD) | 2017-10-19 | NLCS, Game 5 | 3 | 7 | .202 |
| Jose Altuve (HOU) | 2017-10-05 | ALDS, Game 1 | 3 | 3 | .135 |
| Pablo Sandoval (SFG) | 2012-10-24 | WS, Game 1 | 3 | 4 | .267 |
| Albert Pujols (STL) | 2011-10-22 | WS, Game 3 | 3 | 6 | .209 |
| Adrian Beltre (TEX) | 2011-10-04 | ALDS, Game 4 | 3 | 3 | .318 |
| Adam Kennedy (LAA) | 2002-10-13 | ALCS, Game 5 | 3 | 5 | .634 |
| George Brett (KCR) | 1978-10-06 | ALCS, Game 3 | 3 | 3 | .301 |
| Reggie Jackson (NYY) | 1977-10-18 | WS, Game 6 | 3 | 5 | .386 |
| Bob Robertson (PIT) | 1971-10-03 | NLCS, Game 2 | 3 | 5 | .254 |
| Babe Ruth (NYY) | 1928-10-09 | WS, Game 4 | 3 | 3 | .241 |
| Babe Ruth (NYY) | 1926-10-06 | WS, Game 4 | 3 | 4 | .337 |