Brewers vs. Cubs Game 5: How to Win, Lineups, Analysis

The 2025 National League Division Series has delivered every ounce of drama that baseball fans crave. Now, it all comes down to a winner-take-all Game 5 between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

The Brewers, with the NL’s best regular-season record, jumped out to a 2-0 series lead. The Cubs clawed back behind the energy of Wrigley Field to even the series.

With the winner moving on to face the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, this game feels like a true chess match. There’s high-stakes tension and more than a few stars ready to step up under the postseason spotlight.

Pitching Puzzle Could Define Game 5

Cubs manager Craig Counsell faces one of the trickiest tactical challenges of his career right now. He’s starting veteran Drew Pomeranz, but honestly, this game looks like a bullpen scramble from the jump.

Counsell needs at least one pitcher to give him three steady innings. That could help keep Milwaukee’s powerful offense from running wild.

Key Arms to Watch for Chicago

The Cubs might mix and match arms in the biggest moments, including:

• Shota Imanaga – A lefty with plenty of upside, though he’s been giving up too many homers lately.
• Colin Rea – Eats innings and doesn’t seem fazed by pressure.
• Jameson Taillon – He’s been here before and can adapt to different situations.
• Aaron Civale – Steady and controlled, maybe the bridge to late-inning relievers.

Brewers’ Blueprint for Success

On the other side, Brewers manager Pat Murphy isn’t changing what’s worked: power bats and clever lefty matchups. Trevor Megill gets the nod to start, but Milwaukee’s bullpen will be up and moving early, ready for quick changes.

They’re determined to keep Chicago’s biggest bats from heating up.

Targeting Chicago’s Lineup

Murphy’s especially focused on Michael Busch, the Cubs’ young power hitter. He’ll use left-handed pitchers to force Counsell into tough pinch-hitting calls.

If Milwaukee gets the matchups they want, that could flip the game fast.

The Power Factor

Milwaukee’s got one clear identity: home runs win games. When the Brewers hit at least one homer, they went 70-36 this season.

If they go deep early, you can feel their confidence spike.

Exploiting Imanaga’s Weakness

The Brewers tagged Imanaga for two homers in Game 2. That’s a red flag for Chicago.

Milwaukee’s hitters—especially young Jackson Chourio—will be hunting for pitches they can launch. If Imanaga comes in, that moment could decide everything.

Young Stars and Pressure Moments

There’s more than just strategy at play here—Game 5 is a stage for rising stars. Jackson Chourio’s speed and bat speed make him a threat on both sides of the ball.

For Chicago, Michael Busch’s knack for clutch hits could be the difference, especially if Counsell finds him the right matchup.

Veterans Will Matter Too

It’s not just about talent—poise counts. Veterans like Pomeranz for Chicago and Megill for Milwaukee need to set the tone early and steady their teams.

What’s at Stake

The Dodgers are waiting, and the pressure couldn’t be higher. Milwaukee carries the weight of being a regular-season powerhouse, while Chicago’s the scrappy underdog that just won’t quit.

Momentum has swung wildly in this series. Tonight feels like it’s got another twist in store.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the Brewers’ thunderous bats or the Cubs’ bullpen mastery, every pitch could rewrite the season’s story.

The scoreboard will pick a winner, but honestly, the real fight happens in the dugouts. Strategy, matchups, and nerves shape October baseball in ways stats just can’t capture.

Once the dust settles, either Milwaukee or Chicago will keep chasing their dream. The other? Well, they’ll probably think about the one game that slipped away.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB division series: How Brewers and Cubs can each win decisive Game 5, plus lineups and analysis