Cubs Aim to Seal Victory in Game 5 Against Brewers

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Cubs Aim to Seal Victory in Game 5 Against Brewers

The Chicago Cubs find themselves on the brink of advancing to the National League Championship Series after a remarkable turnaround in the NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Having lost the first two games of the series, the Cubs rallied to win the next two, tying the series as they head into Game 5.

Cubs vs. Brewers: Game 5 Preview

With the series now tied at two games each, Game 5 is set to take place at American Family Field. The Cubs secured a dominant 6-0 victory in Game 4 at Wrigley Field, showcasing their strong performance. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong expressed confidence in the team’s direction. “We had our eyes set on returning to Milwaukee,” he stated. “Now it’s our job to close the door.” This moment marks a shift in momentum, putting the pressure back on the Brewers.

Brewers’ Challenges

The Brewers entered the postseason with high expectations but now face elimination. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the Cubs’ recent success, stating, “They had their backs against the wall, and they played great these last two games.” The Brewers have not won a postseason series since 2018, which adds to the pressure.

Brewers’ postseason history: Missed playoffs only once in the last eight seasons.
Last series win: 2018 NL Division Series.

Player Perspectives

Christian Yelich, an integral part of the Brewers, emphasized the team’s focus on daily performance rather than the overarching pressure of postseason advancement. “We need to play well to win,” he noted, stressing the importance of maintaining focus on immediate tasks rather than succumbing to external pressures.

Pitching Depth Concerns

In contrast, the Brewers have struggled with pitching depth during this critical series. Ace Brandon Woodruff is sidelined, forcing the team into a bullpen game approach. This lack of starting pitching became evident when the Cubs overwhelmed right-hander Quinn Priester, leading to an essential bullpen game for the Brewers.

Murphy ultimately decided to start Freddy Peralta in Game 4 to maximize their chances of winning. Although Peralta only pitched four innings, he faced early pressure from Cubs’ Ian Happ, who launched a three-run home run, setting the tone for the game.

Looking Ahead to Game 5

The Cubs’ resurgence is remarkable and places them in a favorable position for Game 5. Carson Kelly, a Cubs catcher, expressed optimism about seizing the moment. “Every day is a new day. We’ve got another ticket to the dance,” he said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of postseason baseball.

With momentum and confidence on their side, the Cubs aim to seal their victory against the Brewers in Game 5 and secure a spot in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on who can best handle the pressure in this decisive matchup.