No. 9: NLCS Game 1

Miguel Montero's pinch-hit grand slam was the high point of a tense, back-and-forth NLCS opener between the Cubs and the Dodgers.

This game, which had already included a steal of home by Chicago's Javier Baez, turned during a wacky eighth inning. After the Dodgers tied the score at three in the top half on a two-out, two-run single by first baseman Adrian Gonzalez off Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman, Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts get himself into a predicament in the bottom half by ordering a pair of intentional walks that loaded the bases for pinch-hitter Miguel Montero. On an 0–2 pitch from Dodgers reliever Joe Blanton, Montero crushed a grand slam into the rightfield stands. Dexter Fowler followed with a home run of his own, and Chicago went on to an 8–4 win. It’s not easy to top the phrase "pinch-hit grand slam" for pure drama and excitement, so the fact that this game is No. 9 is an indication of just how thrilling the 2016 postseason was.

• Niesen: Montero's blast turns Game 1 into magical night at Wrigley