Cubs Return to Milwaukee With Momentum for NLDS Game 5

This National League Division Series has been a wild ride. The Chicago Cubs clawed their way back from the brink of elimination against the Milwaukee Brewers.

After dropping the first two games in Milwaukee, the Cubs punched back with grit. They tied the series in emphatic fashion, thanks to a dominant 6-0 win at Wrigley Field.

Now, it’s all on the line in Game 5: a trip to the NL Championship Series. We’ve seen momentum swing, players go down, and the kind of mental toughness you only get in October baseball.

Cubs’ Relentless Resurgence

The Cubs could’ve folded after those early defeats in Milwaukee. Instead, they kept their heads up and refused to quit.

Pete Crow-Armstrong said the team stayed locked in, just focused on the next pitch. That mindset is paying off — Chicago has dodged elimination three times already this postseason.

They’re showing the kind of resilience you want in a do-or-die game. You can’t help but wonder if that edge will make the difference in Game 5.

Momentum Built on All Fronts

The Cubs’ turnaround isn’t just luck. Their pitching, defense, and timely hitting have all clicked at once.

Game 4 was a statement — shutting out Milwaukee and swinging momentum back to Chicago. Manager Pat Murphy of the Brewers even admitted the Cubs are riding a wave right now.

Chicago’s rotation and bullpen look locked in. If they keep it up, they’ll be a real threat in the decider.

Brewers Battling Pressure and Injuries

Pressure’s mounting for Milwaukee. They’ve made several postseason trips since 2018, but haven’t won a series in that stretch.

That history just adds more weight to Saturday’s game. Outfielder Christian Yelich says the Brewers are focusing on the basics — just playing ball — but the outside noise is impossible to ignore.

Pitching Depth Tested

Milwaukee’s pitching plans have taken a hit with injuries. Brandon Woodruff is out, and Jacob Misiorowski got shifted to the bullpen.

The strain showed in Game 4. Freddy Peralta had to start again after Game 1, but he gave up a big three-run homer to Ian Happ.

That early blow put the Brewers in a tough spot and let the Cubs take control.

Keys to Game 5

Saturday’s matchup is winner-take-all. Each team has a clear path — and a few big question marks:

The Managers’ Final Message

Brewers manager Craig Counsell kept it simple: pack for Milwaukee and get ready to finish. The Cubs? They’re sticking with what’s worked — feed off the home crowd and ride this wave as far as it’ll take them.

What’s at Stake

This isn’t just about the series. The Cubs are building a narrative of grit and stubbornness, while the Brewers are still chasing that breakthrough moment.

Game 5 will decide who moves on and whose story keeps going in the National League Championship Series. That’s what October is all about, isn’t it?

Final Thoughts

All signs point to a tense, tightly contested battle between these teams. Chicago’s momentum up against Milwaukee’s determination—now that’s the kind of matchup that makes postseason baseball so unpredictable.

When Saturday rolls around, every pitch, every swing, every defensive play will feel huge. There’s just no tomorrow for the loser in October baseball, and honestly, that’s what makes it so thrilling.

—

If you’d like, I can take this SEO blog post and also craft a **meta description** and **slug** so it’s ready to publish and optimized for search engines — do you want me to do that?
 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs return to Milwaukee with momentum on their side in Game 5 of the NLDS: ‘Go close the door’