Get ready for a baseball showdown that will leave you on the edge of your seat! The Cubs and Brewers are set to clash in a do-or-die Game 5 of the National League Division Series, and the stakes have never been higher. But here's the twist: after the Brewers took a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Cubs fought back to even the score, setting the stage for a winner-takes-all showdown in Milwaukee. And this is the part most people miss: only five teams in history have forced a Game 5 after losing the first two on the road, and three of them completed the comeback. Will the Cubs join that elite group, or will the Brewers finally secure their first postseason series win since 2018? NLDS Game 5, presented by Booking.com, airs Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on TBS, TruTV, and HBO Max.
Chicago, fresh off a 7-6 regular-season series win, aims to set a new franchise record with their fourth elimination-game victory this postseason. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s manager Pat Murphy is confident, stating, “We’ll be ready to play. I’m certain of it.” But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the Brewers’ home-field advantage, historical data shows that teams trailing 2-1 and avoiding elimination in Game 4 have gone on to win Game 5 and the series 58% of the time. Does this bode well for the Cubs, or will the Brewers defy the odds?
Starting pitchers add another layer of intrigue. The Cubs are deploying left-hander Drew Pomeranz as an opener, who’s been lights-out this postseason, not allowing a single baserunner in five games. The Brewers counter with closer Trevor Megill, marking his third appearance in this series. Who will outmaneuver whom in this high-stakes chess match?
Lineups are shaping up to be strategic battles. The Cubs are likely sticking with their Game 4 lineup, led by Michael Busch, who’s been on fire with a .792 slugging percentage in the playoffs. Nico Hoerner’s seven-game postseason hitting streak is also a highlight, tying a franchise record. For the Brewers, Jackson Chourio continues to play through a tight hamstring, but his .462 postseason batting average is hard to ignore. However, Brice Turang, a regular-season standout, is slumping with just 2 hits in 16 at-bats this series. Will the Cubs exploit this weakness, or will Turang break out when it matters most?
Bullpens are primed for an all-out war. The Cubs have everyone available, including Jameson Taillon, who’s willing to pitch despite throwing four innings in Game 3. Daniel Palencia remains their go-to for high-leverage situations. The Brewers, meanwhile, have fresh arms like Jacob Misiorowski and Abner Uribe ready to go. Which bullpen will hold strong under pressure?
Injuries could play a subtle role. Kyle Tucker remains in the DH spot for the Cubs as he recovers from a calf injury, while the Brewers’ Chourio is gutting through his hamstring issue. How much will these limitations impact their performance?
And here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With the Cubs’ historic first-inning home run streak and the Brewers’ struggles in clinching games, which team’s momentum will prevail? Will the Cubs’ resilience or the Brewers’ home-field advantage be the deciding factor? Let us know your take in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
Awaiting the winner? The defending World Series champion Dodgers, who’ve already punched their ticket to the next round. But first, tune in to Game 5—it’s all or nothing.
Game Details:
- When: Saturday, 8:08 p.m. ET / 7:08 p.m. CT
- Where to Watch: TBS, TruTV, HBO Max
- Streaming: MLB.TV (U.S. only with Pay TV provider)
Don’t miss this epic conclusion to one of the most thrilling postseason series in recent memory!
