Cubs vs. Brewers Game 5 Tonight: Start Time, TV, and the Pressure Points That Will Decide the NLDS

Start time and how to watch Cubs–Brewers Game 5

First pitch is set for 8:08 p.m. ET / 7:08 p.m. CT at American Family Field. The game airs on TBS and truTV, with streaming on Max. (Cairo: 2:08 a.m. Sunday)

What flipped the series in Game 4

Chicago’s blueprint was clinical: Ian Happ detonated a first-inning, three-run homer to seize leverage, Matthew Boyd steadied the night with 4⅔ scoreless innings, and a layered bullpen (Daniel Palencia, Brad Keller, Caleb Thielbar) slammed the door. Add-on shots from Kyle Tucker (414 feet) and Michael Busch (his fourth of the postseason) turned pressure into separation. The message heading into Game 5 is simple: the Cubs’ early thunder and strike-throwing travel.

The chessboard for Game 5

• Run prevention first: Milwaukee’s path is run prevention and traffic suppression; limiting Chicago’s ambush swings in the opening frame is non-negotiable.

• Cubs’ first 15 pitches: Chicago has repeatedly landed haymakers before the game settles. If the Brewers can steal strike one without catching too much plate, it changes the count leverage and bullpen timing all night.

• Middle-inning management: Both dugouts will manage like it’s Game 7—sharper hooks, matchup relievers in the sixth and seventh, and pinch-hit triggers on a shorter leash.

• Baserunning and defense: Expect hyper-aggressive first-to-thirds from Chicago and Milwaukee’s outfield arms to matter in one-run pockets. One clean relay or failed read could swing the series.

Spotlight matchups that will tilt the night

• Happ vs. early spin: If Milwaukee front-loads breaking balls to neutralize first-pitch ambushes, can Happ stay selectively aggressive without expanding?

• Busch vs. velocity: Busch has punished mistakes. Brewers pitchers must live on the black or change eye levels; anything middle-middle risks loud contact.

• Yelich table-setting: Milwaukee needs Christian Yelich on base early to unlock their running game and stress Chicago’s infield timing on double plays.

• Two-strike approach—both sides: The Cubs shortened up beautifully in Game 4; Milwaukee needs spoil swings and foul-ball grit to elevate pitch counts and flip leverage.

What a win means by Monday

The NLCS opens early next week, and continuity matters. The winner not only earns a flight to face the Dodgers, but carries a battle-hardened bullpen script into a best-of-seven. Expect tonight’s usage to shape Game 1 roles—who’s available for back-to-backs, which leverage arms get a day to reset, and how starters are sequenced for the first two in Los Angeles.

Fast facts before first pitch

• Series: Tied 2–2, winner advances to NLCS.

• Tone-setter: The Cubs homered in the first inning again in Game 4, a recurring theme this series.

• Bullpen readiness: Both clubs will empty the tank; short stints and matchup lanes will define innings 5–8.

• Where to watch: TBS / truTV; streaming on Max.

It’s October at full volume—two rivals, one night, and no safety net. If Chicago lands another early punch, the Brewers must answer immediately. If Milwaukee drags the game into late, tight innings, their run-prevention machine can still grind out a home-field clincher. Either way, tonight writes the chapter that decides who gets the Dodgers next.