When the Chicago Cubs announced that left‑handed veteran Drew Pomeranz, starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs would open Game 5 of the National League Division Series, the buzz at Wrigley Field turned into a full‑blown roar.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the winner‑take‑all showdown will be staged at American Family Field, 1 Brewers Way, Milwaukee, WI 53214. The Cubs hold a 2‑2 edge in the best‑of‑five series, meaning the Brewers need a miracle, while Chicago hopes its late‑season gamble pays off.
Background: Cubs‑Brewers NLDS rivalry
These two National League Central foes have only met once before in a postseason elimination game – the 2018 tiebreaker that ended 3‑1 in Chicago’s favor. Since then, both clubs have tasted the sting of early exits and the thrill of deep runs. Chicago’s last NLDS win came in 2020 against Miami, and Milwaukee’s most recent appearance was a 2021 loss to Atlanta.
The 2025 series has been a roller‑coaster: the Brewers stole Game 1 with a 5‑2 victory, the Cubs answered in Game 2, the Brewers forced a tie with a gritty Game 4, and now the stage is set for a decisive fifth. As Craig Counsell, manager of the Chicago Cubs told reporters, “Every ounce of preparation leads up to this moment. We’re not leaving anything on the table.”
Game‑5 Pitching Decision
The move to use Pomeranz as an “opener” is a nod to the modern bullpen‑first era, but it also reflects the Cubs’ desperation to neutralize Milwaukee’s left‑handed power. Pomeranz, 35, logged a 3.38 ERA over 71 innings in 2024 and posted a career‑best 0.94 WHIP last season. He’s been effective against the Brewers historically – a 2‑1 record and a 2.70 ERA in 12 career encounters.
Behind him, the Cubs have a parade of arms ready to take over: right‑hander Jameson Taillon (who pitched four innings in Game 3 on October 8), left‑hander Shota Imanaga as a possible bulk option, and a bullpen that includes Daniel Palencia (hard‑throwing righty), Andrew Kittredge and Brad Keller for late‑inning pressure.
“I’m ready to go whenever the club needs me,” Taillon said in a brief interview on the eve of the game. “Four innings was tough, but I’m still feeling good.”
Projected Lineups and Bullpen Strategies
Milwaukee counters with a lineup anchored by 20‑year‑old center fielder Jackson Chourio, who will lead off. The Brewers also plan to keep veteran right‑hander Freddy Peralta in the rotation, while closer Abner Uribe is poised for a potential ninth‑inning showdown.
The Cubs will stick with the same batting order that has produced a .275 team average this postseason: first baseman Michael Busch, shortstop Nico Hoerner, and right fielder Seiya Suzuki batting third. Left fielder Ian Happ, who returned from a left‑calf strain on September 27, will play the designated hitter slot.
Analytics guru John Petersen of the Baseball Insights Group noted, “If Pomeranz can get two solid innings against the left‑handed batters, the Cubs can flip the matchup in their favor. The Brewers’ bullpen depth will be tested, especially with Peralta and Uribe both on short rest.”
Implications for NLCS and Beyond
A Cubs victory sends Chicago to the National League Championship Series, where they’ll face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets, the two teams slated to emerge from the West and East brackets. For the Brewers, a loss would end a season that saw them finish 92‑70 in the regular season, a franchise‑record winning percentage since moving to Milwaukee.
Financially, an NLCS berth could push the Cubs’ postseason revenue past $50 million, according to a recent Sports Business Journal estimate. The local economies of both Chicago and Milwaukee also stand to gain; the city of Milwaukee expects an extra $4 million in hospitality sales from the additional game.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 11, 2025 – pre‑game coverage starts at 7:00 PM CT on TBS.
- Venue: American Family Field, capacity 41,900.
- Series Score: Cubs 2, Brewers 2 (best‑of‑5).
- Opening Pitcher: Drew Pomeranz (Cubs).
- Broadcast: TBS (national TV) with radio simulcast on WSCR 670 AM.
What to Watch Next
All eyes will be on the first two innings to see whether Pomeranz can silence the Brewers’ left‑handed boom. If he does, the middle relievers — especially Palencia and Kittredge — will become the story. Meanwhile, the Brewers’ bullpen will be forced into a high‑leverage situation earlier than expected, testing the mettle of Peralta and Uribe.
Regardless of the outcome, the game will likely set the tone for the NLCS, where the winning club will need to blend veteran poise with youthful grit. As Counsell put it, “We’re playing for the next stop. Anything less isn’t good enough.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the opener strategy affect the Cubs’ chances?
Using Drew Pomeranz as an opener lets Chicago neutralize Milwaukee’s left‑handed power early. If he can deliver two solid innings, it forces the Brewers to reach deeper into their bullpen, where fatigue could become a factor in the later innings.
Which players are most likely to impact the game?
Beyond the pitcher match‑up, Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner have been the Cubs’ offensive catalysts, while Jackson Chourio provides speed and contact for the Brewers. The performance of bullpen arms like Daniel Palencia and Abner Uribe could swing the outcome in the late innings.
What does a win mean for the Cubs financially?
Advancing to the NLCS adds roughly $12 million in TV revenue, plus increased ticket sales and merchandise. The city of Chicago also expects a boost in local business activity, particularly in the hospitality sector, as fans travel for the next series.
When is the next postseason game if the Cubs win?
The winner will head to the National League Championship Series, scheduled to start on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with the first game at the home ballpark of the higher‑seeded team.
How did the Brewers reach this point in the series?
Milwaukee split the first two games, then edged the Cubs in Game 3 before losing a tight Game 4. Their resilient offense, led by Jackson Chourio, kept them alive, but a late‑inning rally in Game 4 fell short, forcing a deciding Game 5.