Kenta Maeda was among four pitchers who combined on a four-hitter Thursday that lifted the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Chicago Cubs 11-1 and into the World Series.

Despite dropping Game 4 after winning the first three games, the Dodgers took the best-of-seven National League Championship Series 4-1, ending a 29-year World Series drought, the longest in franchise history.

While the Dodgers showed off their strong arms, which included Clayton Kershaw, who worked six effective innings to get the win before 42,735 at Wrigley Field.

The Dodgers' batters were also in top form.

Enrique Hernandez drove in seven runs on three homers to lead a 16-hit offense, and highlighted the evening with a grand slam in a five-run third. He connected for his first off losing pitcher Jose Quintana (0-1) in the second.

Maeda relieved Kershaw with the Dodgers up 9-1 in the seventh, and retired the side in order on two strikeouts and a flyout. The 29-year-old right-hander has thrown five innings in as many games in the postseason without allowing a runner.

"All I thought about while I pitched was winning. I think I was able to help a little," said Maeda.

"We were let down last year but this year we made it to the World Series. We came this far so we have to try and become No. 1. I'll do my best when I'm called upon to pitch and hope to contribute in any way I can," he said.

Meanwhile Japanese compatriot Yu Darvish, who started Game 3, kept his cool and said he feels it is too early to be celebrating.

"I'm not as excited as everyone thinks because it's not over yet. I think so far (in the playoffs) I've been able to meet the minimum numbers," Darvish said.

The World Series will be between the Dodgers and either the New York Yankees or Houston Astros. The Yankees lead the American League Championship Series 3-2 and can wrap up the series Friday night at Minute Maid Park in Game 6.

 Baseball: Dodgers advance to World Series