The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers are set to determine the winner of their best-of-5 NLDS series in Game 5. With the series tied at 2-2, the tension is high as both teams vie for the final win to advance. The game will take place at American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI, under the retractable roof, ensuring weather conditions are controlled for the night game.
Under the guidance of manager Craig Counsell, the Cubs have had an impressive regular season with a 92-70 record. They recently demonstrated their offensive firepower by securing a 6-0 victory over the Brewers, bolstered by strong performances from key players like Kyle Tucker and Ian Happ. The Cubs will aim to capitalize on their recent momentum as they take on their NL Central rivals.
The Milwaukee Brewers, managed by Pat Murphy, finished the regular season with a superior 97-65 record. Despite losing the last two games to the Cubs, they have shown resilience with previous strong performances, including a 9-3 win at home earlier in the series. With a home record of 52-29, the Brewers will be looking to leverage their home-field advantage in this decisive game.
Brewers vs Cubs NLDS 5 At a Glance
- Game Details: Game 5 of the NLDS, with the series tied 2-2, played at American Family Field in Milwaukee, WI.
- Weather Conditions: Overcast clouds with a mild breeze; wind unlikely to impact play due to the retractable roof.
- Broadcast Information: The game will air on TBS at 8:08 PM (Eastern Time) on October 11, 2025.
- Chicago Cubs Record: Finished the regular season with a 92-70 record and were 5 games back in the NL Central.
- Milwaukee Brewers Record: Completed the regular season with a 97-65 record, leading the NL Central.
- Game Odds: Brewers are favored with a moneyline of -136, while the Cubs are at +116. The total for the game is set at 7.5 runs.
Brewers Prepare for Decisive Showdown Against the Cubs
Team Overview
The Milwaukee Brewers are gearing up for a crucial Game 5 against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Division Series. With the series tied at 2-2, the Brewers have shown a strong home-field presence, scoring 16 runs in 16 innings at American Family Field. Their performance at home contrasts with their struggles on the road, where they only managed three runs in 18 innings at Wrigley Field.
The Brewers’ lineup features key players like Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio, who have been pivotal in their offensive strategy. Yelich, despite a challenging series, brings postseason experience with a batting average of .264, 29 home runs, and 103 RBIs during the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Chourio has excelled as a leadoff hitter, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Key Players to Watch
Christian Yelich’s performance will be under scrutiny, especially against left-handed pitching, where he has faced challenges. His ability to bounce back in this high-stakes game could be crucial for the Brewers. Alongside him, Jackson Chourio’s dynamic presence at the top of the lineup has been a game-changer, and his return to the leadoff spot may reignite the offense.
Brice Turang, with a batting average of .288 and 18 home runs, has been a reliable contributor in the lineup. His consistency at second base adds depth to the Brewers’ batting order. William Contreras, the team’s catcher, also plays a critical role, boasting a .260 average and 17 home runs, providing stability behind the plate.
Pitching Dynamics
The Brewers face uncertainty in their starting rotation for Game 5, with options like Aaron Ashby and Jacob Misiorowski potentially taking on an opener role. The team’s reliance on a bullpen game could be a pivotal factor, as their starting pitchers have combined for just 12 innings over the first four games.
Freddy Peralta’s recent outing saw him struggle in the early innings, allowing three runs in the first inning during Game 4. His performance will be a key focus if he is utilized in any capacity in this decisive matchup.
Brewers’ Betting Trends
- SU in Home Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Runline in Home Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- O/U in Home Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 5 Games: 3-1 (75.0%)
Final Thoughts
The Brewers’ offense, led by Yelich and Chourio, must find a way to adapt against the Cubs’ pitching to advance to the National League Championship Series. With the Cubs yet to announce their starting pitcher, Milwaukee’s strategy may hinge on exploiting matchups and capitalizing on home-field advantage.
Brewers manager Pat Murphy might lean on the successful lineup from earlier in the series, hoping to replicate the offensive outburst seen in home games. With everything on the line, the Brewers will need a collective effort to overcome the Cubs and keep their postseason dreams alive.
Cubs Ready to Roar: Chicago’s Crucial Showdown with the Brewers
Team Hitting Performance
The Chicago Cubs have exhibited a solid team performance this season, batting a .249 average, ranking 8th in the league. Their ability to get on base, with a .320 on-base percentage, places them at 6th, showing their consistent offensive pressure. Additionally, their slugging percentage of .430 is ranked 5th, highlighting their power capabilities.
Home runs have been a significant part of the Cubs’ strategy, as they have hit 223 homers, ranking 6th. This power hitting is complemented by 267 doubles, which further demonstrates their offensive depth. The team’s 554 walks, ranking 7th, illustrate their patience at the plate and ability to create scoring opportunities.
The Cubs are also aggressive on the basepaths, with 161 stolen bases, ranking 3rd. However, they need to be cautious as they have accumulated 1277 strikeouts, which is 6th in the league, indicating a potential area for improvement.
Pitching Dynamics
On the mound, the Cubs have maintained a respectable 3.81 ERA, ranking 9th. Their ability to limit opposing hitters is evident with a batting average against of .238, also 9th in the league. However, the team has given up 202 home runs, placing them 21st, which is a concern.
Quality starts have been a strong point for the Cubs, with 61 recorded, ranking 9th. This consistency from their starters has been pivotal in stabilizing the team throughout the season. However, with 20 blown saves, ranking 3rd, the bullpen may need to tighten up in critical situations.
The Cubs’ pitchers have managed to strike out 1265 batters, ranking 26th, suggesting room for improvement in terms of overpowering opposing batters. This will be crucial as they face off against a formidable Brewers lineup.
Key Players to Watch
Seiya Suzuki has been a standout for the Cubs, playing 151 games with a .245 average, 32 home runs, and 103 RBIs. His ability to drive in runs makes him a key offensive weapon. Michael Busch, with a .261 average and 34 homers, has also been a consistent power threat.
Ian Happ’s performance has been pivotal in the postseason, highlighted by his crucial three-run homer in Game 4 against the Brewers. His contributions in clutch situations could be vital in the upcoming game. Additionally, Nico Hoerner’s .297 average and postseason batting of .429 showcase his reliability at the plate.
Kyle Tucker’s recent home run indicates his return to form, which could be a game-changer for the Cubs. His presence in the lineup adds depth and power, essential for their offensive strategy.
Team Betting Trends
- SU as Favorite: 3-1 (75.0%)
- SU in Home Games: 4-1 (80.0%)
- Runline as Favorite: 3-1 (75.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- O/U After a Win: 2-1 (66.7%)
These trends highlight the Cubs’ strong performance as favorites and their ability to cover the runline at home. The over/under trends suggest potential high-scoring games, especially in away scenarios.
As the Cubs prepare for this decisive game against the Brewers, their recent momentum and the standout performances of key players position them well for a competitive showdown.
Brewers vs Cubs Prediction: Over 7.5
Given the offensive power displayed by both teams in this series, betting on the over appears to be a solid choice. The Brewers have demonstrated strong run production at home, scoring 16 runs in 16 innings at American Family Field against Cubs pitchers. This offensive output indicates that they are capable of putting up numbers in a crucial Game 5.
The Cubs’ recent games also hint at a high-scoring affair. They have scored in the first inning of all four NLDS games, with multiple runs in three of those games. Additionally, Ian Happ’s early three-run homer set the tone in the series, illustrating the Cubs’ ability to score quickly and in bunches.
Both teams’ pitching situations are uncertain, with no clear dominant starter set to take the mound. The Cubs have utilized their bullpen extensively, and the Brewers have struggled with their starting rotation, both factors pointing towards the likelihood of runs being scored in the later innings.
Finally, the over has been a common trend, with the total going over in three of the four games in this series. Considering the current dynamics and trends, a projected score of Brewers 6, Cubs 4 supports the pick of over 7.5 runs for Game 5.
- Brewers vs Cubs Prediction: Over 7.5
- Brewers vs Cubs Score: Brewers 6 – Cubs 4
