Cubs Score Decisive NLDS Game 5 Victory: Can They Maintain Momentum Against Brewers?

The Chicago Cubs secured a decisive 6-0 victory in NLDS Game 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers, powered by Drew Pomeranz’s dominant opener performance and Ian Happ’s clutch hitting. This win forces a winner-takes-all showdown, with momentum firmly in Chicago’s favor.

As Wrigley Field’s electric crowd rattled Milwaukee’s pitchers, questions arise: Can the Brewers recover from their offensive slump, or will the Cubs’ bullpen strategy propel them to the NLCS? Key contributors like Matthew Boyd (4 shutout innings) suggest Chicago’s depth may be the difference-maker.

Cubs Deliver Dominant NLDS Game 5 Win Against Brewers

The Chicago Cubs secured a decisive 6-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 5 of the NLDS, advancing to the NLCS with a performance that showcased their resilience and strategic depth. Drew Pomeranz, unexpectedly named the opener, silenced critics with two scoreless innings, while Matthew Boyd followed with four shutout frames—redeeming his earlier postseason struggles. The Cubs’ offense erupted in the 4th inning with back-to-back homers from Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson, capitalizing on Milwaukee’s exhausted bullpen.

Key factors in the win:

• Bullpen mastery: Pomeranz, Boyd, Alzolay, and Leiter Jr. combined for 9 scoreless innings.
• Clutch hitting: Cubs went 4-for-8 with RISP after struggling earlier in the series.
• Defensive discipline: Zero errors contrasted with Milwaukee’s two costly miscues.

The decision to start Pomeranz was a masterstroke—his cutter disrupted Milwaukee’s lefty-heavy lineup rhythm. But can this bullpen-heavy approach hold up in a seven-game NLCS?

Game 5 Turning Points

Can Chicago Sustain Momentum Against Milwaukee’s Adjustments?

While the Cubs celebrated their Game 5 triumph, questions linger about their sustainability against a Brewers team that won the season series 10-9. Milwaukee’s .287 team BA against left-handed pitching (3rd in MLB) suggests they’ll recalibrate after Pomeranz’s dominance. The Cubs must address:

• Rotation depth: Justin Steele’s workload (198 IP) is concerning.
• Bench production: Role players hit just .214 in the NLDS.
• Road performance: Cubs were 38-43 away from Wrigley.

Watch for Brewers manager Pat Murphy to stack righties against Steele in Game 1—Milwaukee’s .831 OPS vs LHP could neutralize Chicago’s biggest strength.

Critical Matchup Metrics

• Late-inning scoring: Cubs outscored Brewers 11-2 after the 7th inning in NLDS.
• Defensive runs saved: Milwaukee (+47) edges Chicago (+39).
• Bullpen ERA: Brewers’ 3.12 vs Cubs’ 3.45.

Drew Pomeranz: From Reclamation Project to Playoff Weapon

The 36-year-old lefty’s journey from minor league deal (signed February 2025) to Game 5 opener exemplifies Chicago’s innovative pitching development. Pomeranz’s cutter usage skyrocketed from 12% to 47% under Cubs coaches, generating a .182 BAA. His postseason line:

• 9 appearances
• 0.00 ERA
• 14 K in 10.1 IP

Pomeranz’s renaissance reminds me of 2016 Mike Montgomery—unheralded arms often decide october. But relying on a 36-year-old with injury history is risky chess.

Pomeranz’s Pitch Arsenal Evolution

Ian Happ’s Redemption Arc Powers Cubs Offense

After batting .198 in September with 37 strikeouts, Happ’s adjustments—lowering his hands and shortening his stride—paid off dramatically. His Game 5 heroics included:

• 3-run HR off Devin Williams (98 mph fastball)
• 2 defensive gems in LF
• Series-best .381 OBP

Happ’s transformation mirrors Joc Pederson’s 2021 Braves run—when veterans tweak mechanics midseason, magic happens. But can he sustain this against elite NLCS pitching?

Happ’s Pre/Post Adjustment Splits

• Before Sept 15: .198 BA, 32% K-rate
• After adjustment: .302 BA, 19% K-rate

Wrigley Field Crowd: Chicago’s Secret Weapon

Decibel readings peaked at 112 during Game 5’s 4th-inning rally, directly correlating with Brewers’ pitchers committing three pitch-clock violations. Historical data shows:

• Cubs are 54-29 at home in postseason since 2015
• Opponents’ bullpen ERA spikes by 1.38 at Wrigley
• Pitchers average 2.3 more mound visits

The ’Wrigley Roar’ isn’t myth—it’s measurable. But remember 2017 when Dodgers silenced it? Atmosphere doesn’t replace pitching execution.

Notable Crowd Impact Moments