Cubs and Brewers to Start Relievers in Game 5 Showdown
In a pivotal Game 5 showdown, both the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers will utilize relievers as openers. The game is set to take place on Saturday, with the Cubs announcing left-hander Drew Pomeranz to start, while the Brewers will employ right-hander Trevor Megill, their All-Star closer.
Pitching Strategies for Game 5
Neither starting pitcher is anticipated to go deep into the game. Instead, both teams plan to deploy multiple pitchers to navigate the game effectively. Cubs manager Craig Counsell stated, “With the exception of [Game 4 starter] Matt Boyd, everyone’s going to be available.” He emphasized their strategy, saying they are ready to use 11 pitchers to secure 27 outs.
Drew Pomeranz’s Performance
- Pomeranz holds a regular-season record of 2-2 with a 2.17 ERA over 57 appearances, primarily in relief.
- During the postseason, he has yet to allow any hits or walks in five scoreless innings.
- Pomeranz was credited as the winning pitcher in Game 3.
The Cubs considered starting Shota Imanaga, who lost Game 2, but opted against it due to his high September ERA of 6.51.
Trevor Megill’s Impact
- Megill posted a regular-season record of 6-3, achieving 30 saves and a 2.49 ERA in 50 relief appearances.
- He faced a month-long stint on the injured list but returned for the Brewers’ regular-season finale.
- In this series, he has faced two games, managing to retire the batters in Game 2, but faced more challenges in Game 4.
Brewers’ Game Plan
Milwaukee may draw from their Game 2 strategy, where seven pitchers contributed to a solid 7-3 victory. Assistant manager Murphy confirmed that Aaron Ashby would be available after pitching in Game 4. He also named several other pitchers likely to contribute, stating:
- Abner Uribe
- Jared Koenig
- Chad Patrick
- Jacob Misiorowski
“A lot of those guys are rookies and not very experienced,” Murphy added, “but that’s how we’ve come together.”
Historical Context and Future Implications
The Cubs are attempting to join a select group of teams that have won a best-of-five series after losing the first two games. The last team to accomplish this feat was the New York Yankees against Cleveland in the 2017 AL Division Series.
The outcome of Saturday’s game will determine who advances to the National League Championship Series. The Brewers are poised to host the Los Angeles Dodgers if they win, while the Cubs would head to Los Angeles.
