Cubs, Brewers Start Relievers in Crucial Game 5

Saturday’s decisive Game 5 between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers is shaping up to be a wild ride. Both teams will roll out their top relievers as openers instead of sticking with traditional starters.

This high-stakes battle for a spot in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers comes after a dramatic turnaround by the Cubs. They dropped the first two games but clawed back to force the series finale.

With both managers going all-in on aggressive bullpen use, the game feels like a chess match. Every pitch could tip the balance.

Cubs Rolling the Dice with Drew Pomeranz

The Chicago Cubs have tapped left-hander Drew Pomeranz to open things up. He’s a postseason vet with a strong 2.17 ERA across 57 regular-season appearances.

Pomeranz has been spotless so far this October—five scoreless innings and the win in Game 3. Manager Craig Counsell said nearly every pitcher is available, except for Game 4 starter Matt Boyd.

They’re ready to mix and match, shifting arms as the situation calls for it. It’s a real “all hands on deck” vibe.

Why Not Shota Imanaga?

Counsell’s decision to sit Shota Imanaga comes from Imanaga’s recent struggles. His shaky September and iffy playoff outings made Counsell pause.

Trusting the bullpen’s depth just feels safer in a win-or-go-home game like this. I can’t blame him for wanting to avoid unnecessary risk.

Brewers Counter with All-Star Closer Trevor Megill

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers are making a gutsy move too. They’ll start Trevor Megill—their All-Star closer—as the opener.

Megill’s been lights-out in 2024 with 30 saves and a 2.49 ERA over 50 games, though he just got back from an arm injury. Manager Pat Murphy plans to cycle through arms, mentioning Aaron Ashby and a handful of rookies who might step into big moments.

They’re clearly aiming to keep hitters guessing and avoid letting the Cubs get comfortable against any one pitcher.

The Risks of Opening with a Closer

Using a closer as an opener can throw off hitters and let the manager control matchups early. But it’s a gamble—if the game’s tight late, you might miss that ninth-inning stopper.

Historical Context: Cubs Chasing Rare Comeback

The Cubs are chasing something special. Only ten teams in Major League Baseball history have come back to win a best-of-five postseason series after losing the first two games.

It’s taken a ton of grit, some serious bullpen work, and big moments at the right time. If they pull it off, it’s not just another win—it’s one for the books.

Keys to the Game

Here’s what could swing things:

• Early Execution – Both openers need to come out sharp and avoid falling behind right away.
• Middle Relief Stability – The third through sixth innings might decide who survives.
• Matchup Management – Managers have to stay on their toes, playing the lefty-righty chess game.
• Health and Stamina – Guys like Megill, just back from injury, need to be watched for late fatigue.

What to Expect

This game promises to be a tactical masterpiece. Each pitch could shape the series’ fate.

Counsell and Murphy both like to break from tradition. They often lean into aggressive bullpen moves, especially with the season on the line.

Every decision will get magnified in the playoff spotlight. Fans should brace for fast-paced innings and plenty of pitching changes.

The tension? You’ll feel it. One swing might decide everything.

Game 5 between the Cubs and Brewers isn’t just another baseball game. It’s a high-stakes gamble on modern pitching strategy.

In less than 24 hours, one team’s season ends while the other moves on. Baseball’s about to add another wild chapter to its October drama.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cubs, Brewers each starting relievers for Game 5