UPDATE: In a dramatic twist leading up to the highly anticipated Game 5, both the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers have confirmed they will start relievers as openers. The game is set for Saturday, October 14, 2023, and promises to be a pivotal moment in the MLB playoffs.
The Cubs have selected left-hander Drew Pomeranz to take the mound, while the Brewers will rely on their All-Star closer, right-hander Trevor Megill. Both teams are not expected to pitch deep into the game, opting for a strategy that utilizes multiple pitchers throughout the match.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, stating, “With the exception of [Game 4 starter] Matt Boyd, everyone’s going to be available. We have 11 pitchers to figure out how to get 27 outs.”
Pomeranz, who boasts a record of 2-2 with a stellar 2.17 ERA across 57 regular-season appearances, has proven effective this postseason. He has not allowed any hits or walks in five scoreless innings and was the winning pitcher in Game 3.
In contrast, Megill has tallied a record of 6-3 with 30 saves and a 2.49 ERA in 50 regular-season games. After a brief stint on the injured list, he returned just in time to contribute in the postseason, pitching in two games this series.
The Brewers are likely to replicate their Game 2 strategy, where seven pitchers combined for a 7-3 victory. Manager Murphy confirmed that Aaron Ashby would be available after throwing 32 pitches in the Brewers’ Game 4 loss. He highlighted that while many of their pitchers are rookies, their teamwork has been crucial to their success.
As the Cubs aim to become the 11th team in history to win a best-of-five series after losing the first two games, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The last team to achieve this feat was the New York Yankees against Cleveland in the 2017 AL Division Series.
The winner of this high-stakes showdown will advance to the NL Championship Series starting Monday, with the Brewers hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cubs traveling to L.A.
Fans are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an intense and thrilling encounter as both teams battle for a chance at the championship. Stay tuned for updates as this game unfolds!
