Levine: Cubs' Confidence High After Breakout Game 4, With Jon Lester On Hill In Game 5

By Bruce Levine--

LOS ANGELES (CBS) -- The Cubs are alive and breathing well again in their National League Championship Series against the Dodgers.

After Chicago's 10-2 win in Game 4 on Wednesday night, the stage is reset for a pivotal Game 5 at Dodger Stadium on Thursday in this tense series. A rematch of Game 1 awaits, with Cubs left-hander Jon Lester facing Dodgers right-hander Kenta Maeda.

Lester took a no-decision in a 77-pitch outing last Saturday, with manager Joe Maddon pulling him for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth when the Cubs were looking to add on to a two-run lead. Lester allowed one run in on four hits and one walk in six innings, and he'll be fresh entering the pivotal Game 5.

He's also well aware that facing the same lineup for the second time in six days presents a challenge, as the hitters may have a greater comfort level.

"You watch what they are doing and you make some in game adjustments," Lester said. "You still have a plan and although it may get harder,you have some things you pick up as well.Really, it is still about having your plan and going into the game and executing it"

Even with 16 career playoff starts, including two this postseason, the 32-year-old Lester still gets some nervous energy before big games.

"I'm always nervous," Lester said. "If it's a June start or a World Series start, whatever, I always get the butterflies. I have always had the belief that when the butterflies leave, it's probably time for me to go on home."

The Cubs' confidence has remained high throughout this series, even when they trailed 2-1 and had been shut out in back-to-back playoff games for the first time in franchise history. Now, the Cubs are two wins away from advancing to their first World Series in 71 years

believes in his team doing something that has not been accomplished by a Cub team in 71 years.

"The confidence level for the guys is very high," Lester said. "We believe in our group and the way they go about the game on a daily basis. We believe in each pitcher, no matter who is out on the mound."

With a de facto best-of-three series remaining and his team sporting a resurgent offense, Maddon feels good.

"We know it's at least going back home with Jon and (Clayton) Kershaw (in Game 6) still waiting in the wings," Maddon said. "It would be pretty nice to get on top before we go home."

The Cubs are 0-2 all-time in best-of-seven postseason series that are tied 2-2.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.