Get ready for an epic showdown as the Cubs and Brewers face off in a do-or-die Game 5 of the NLDS! This is a battle for baseball glory, and the stage is set for an unforgettable night.
The I-94 Rivalry's Final Act: Who Will Reign Supreme?
In a thrilling twist, the Cubs and Brewers are tied at 2-2 in their National League Division Series, with the winner of this decisive game advancing to face the defending champions, the Dodgers. It's a tale of two teams, each with their own unique journey and a chance to etch their names into baseball history.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Brewers, despite a strong regular season, have struggled in potential clinching games, with a mere 3-10 record. Can they break this trend and secure their first postseason series win since 2018? Or will the Cubs, with their four elimination-game victories, set a new franchise record and advance to the next round?
And this is the part most people miss... The history of comebacks in Division Series! Out of 35 teams that found themselves down 0-2 on the road, only five forced a Game 5, and three of those five completed the comeback. Will the Cubs or Brewers join this elite group?
Let's dive into the key details you need to know:
- When and Where: Game 5 tips off at 8:08 p.m. ET/7:08 p.m. CT on Saturday, with TBS, truTV, and HBO Max bringing you all the action.
- Starting Pitchers: The Cubs are going all-in with left-hander Drew Pomeranz as an opener, while the Brewers counter with their closer, Trevor Megill, starting Game 5.
- Lineups: With Megill on the mound, expect the Cubs to stick with their Game 4 lineup, led by Michael Busch. The Brewers, who've faced lefties in three of the first four games, will likely go with the same lineup they used against Shota Imanaga in Game 2.
- Bullpen Strategy: Both teams are pulling out all the stops. The Cubs have everyone available, including starter Jameson Taillon, who's willing to pitch if needed. The Brewers are freshening up their leverage arms, with Jacob Misiorowski and Abner Uribe among those ready for action.
- Injury Updates: The Cubs' Kyle Tucker, recovering from a calf injury, will likely remain at DH, with Seiya Suzuki manning right field. For the Brewers, Jackson Chourio is playing through a tight right hamstring, an issue that's affected his performance and the team's strategy.
- Who's Hot, Who's Not: The Cubs' Nico Hoerner is on fire with a seven-game hitting streak, while Michael Busch is slugging at a .792 clip with four homers in the playoffs. For the Brewers, Chourio has a hit in each of his first seven postseason games, but second baseman Brice Turang has struggled, going 0-for-4 in Game 4.
So, who will emerge victorious in this winner-takes-all showdown? Will it be the Cubs, aiming for a franchise record, or the Brewers, seeking their first postseason series win in years? The fate of these teams rests on this one game, and the world is watching.
Get your popcorn ready, baseball fans! This is going to be a wild ride!
