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After falling behind 2-0 in their NLDS joust with the Milwaukee Brewers, the Chicago Cubs have stormed back with a vengeance. With steady pitching and timely offense, the Cubs have leveled the series at two games apiece.
Saturday’s decisive Game 5 adds another chapter to one of the NL Central’s most storied rivalries, with the winner set to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. Who will be at the heart of the matchup? That remains to be seen.
Chicago received inspired performances from Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Matthew Boyd in Game 4, breezing past Milwaukee 6-0 in Game 4. The Cubs’ bats remain a work in progress — Thursday’s game notwithstanding, Chicago has failed to eclipse four runs in any game this postseason.
As long as the Cubs’ pitching continues to shine through, though, those toils might not prove catastrophic. It’ll be a pair of relief pitchers, Chicago’s Drew Pomeranz and Milwaukee’s Trevor Megill, getting the start in the winner-take-all Game 5 on Saturday night.
The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Saturday’s Game 5 between Chicago and Milwaukee. Follow below for highlights, analysis and more as one of the NL Central squads punches its ticket to the NLCS.
STREAM: Watch Cubs vs. Brewers live with DirecTV
Cubs vs. Brewers score
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Cubs vs. Brewers live updates, highlights from NLDS Game 5
All times ET.
Final: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
10:45 p.m. — The Milwaukee Brewers, owners of baseball’s best regular season record in 2025, have won a postseason series. They’re heading to the NLCS after taking down the Cubs 3-1 at home.
It didn’t come easily with Chicago winning both of its home games, but the Brewers will play the Dodgers for the pennant after three solo home runs and some strong pitching in Game 5.
THE BREWERS ARE HEADED TO THE NLCS pic.twitter.com/HmKas6HfIa
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
10:43 p.m. — Uribe remains the pitcher for Milwaukee. The home crowd is ready to celebrate, and potentially host the Dodgers soon.
End of eighth inning: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
10:37 p.m. — The Brewers go down in order. It will come down to the Cubs’ offense, either ending the team’s season, or rallying to keep Game 5 alive.
10:33 p.m. — Once again, the Brewers keep the Cubs’ offense quiet. Uribe retires his next three hitters after the walk. Milwaukee will try to add to its lead before Chicago’s season comes down to a deficit in the top of the ninth.
10:30 p.m. — Abner Uribe, one of baseball’s best relievers this season, is in for Milwaukee in the top of the eighth. He allows a leadoff walk to Busch, making the Cubs’ hitter the tying run.
On Turang’s home run, Crow-Armstrong really gave his best attempt on a ball that was far gone:
The effort can always be appreciated 🫡pic.twitter.com/0zhO5pfI2N
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 12, 2025
End of seventh inning: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
10:23 p.m. HOME RUN — Brice Turang loudly adds an insurance run for the Brewers. He was all over a slider from Kittredge, driving it deep into center field for the game’s fourth solo home run. Every run in Game 5 has come via the long ball. The Cubs need two runs to keep their season alive.
A HUGE HOMER FROM BRICE TURANG 🔥
Brewers lead 3-1! pic.twitter.com/omWapCthbw
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2025
10:17 p.m. — Chad Patrick has turned in an excellent performance out of the bullpen in Game 5. He strikes out two Cubs in the top of the seventh after escaping the jam in the sixth; Brewers pitchers have eight strikeouts, no walks and four hits allowed today. Chances are dwindling for Chicago.
Another scoreless inning for the Brewers and Chad Patrick is HYPE pic.twitter.com/zwT6UXJJkE
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
10:10 p.m. — Patrick remains on the mound for Milwaukee, which needs nine more outs to head to the NLCS. The Cubs need just one run to tie things up.
End of sixth inning: Brewers 2, Cubs 1
10:02 p.m. — Kittredge did his job, getting out of the sixth inning with no insurance runs for the Brewers. We’re entering crunch time for both sides.
10:00 p.m. — Caleb Thielbar got his first two Brewers of the bottom of the sixth out, but he walks Frelick, then gets pulled. Chicago is on to its fifth pitcher in Andrew Kittredge.
9:53 p.m. — Chad Patrick came in for Milwaukee as well, and he comes through in a huge spot. He first gets Suzuki to line out, then strikes out Ian Happ looking to silence the Cubs’ bats. Chicago leaves a pair of runners on-base, meaning its season will be over without a comeback over the next few innings.
After the first two batters reached, Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ made three straight outs to strand the runners as the Brewers protect their lead pic.twitter.com/ftDaqZeDyv
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
9:45 p.m. — Ashby gets Kyle Tucker swinging for a huge first out in the top of the sixth. The tying run is on second base.
9:42 p.m. — Misiorowski is done for the Brewers as Aaron Ashby steps in. The Cubs have something going to begin the sixth inning; Michael Busch singled, then Ashby hit Nico Hoerner with a pitch.
End of fifth inning: Brewers 2, Cubs 1
9:40 p.m. — Chicago gets a key double-play, doubling up Chourio at first base to end the fifth. The Cubs will only have a few more opportunities to keep their season alive — can they spark something in the sixth?
Contreras lines out and Jackson Chourio gets doubled off to end the inning! pic.twitter.com/m6b7kFDlqP
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
9:32 p.m. — Misiorowski is giving Milwaukee what it needed in an elimination bullpen game. He’s up to four innings of one-run ball, keeping the Cubs’ bats quiet enough to protect the lead.
End of fourth inning: Brewers 2, Cubs 1
9:22 p.m. — The Cubs get out of the jam. Palencia gets Ortiz to ground into a fielder’s choice, as Swanson barely gets the runner at second base with a quick throw. Chicago holds the damage to just the solo home run from Vaughn.
Daniel Palencia enters the game and gets the Cubs out of the bases loaded jam! pic.twitter.com/WUgI08CTqt
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
9:18 p.m. — Rea is heading to the dugout with the bases loaded, following a walk to Perkins. Daniel Palencia is taking over pitching for the Cubs, and the Brewers have a chance to add on to their lead in a big way.
9:14 p.m. — The Brewers are still threatening in the fourth. Sal Frelick reached on an infield single, then Durbin reached on a hit-turned-error from Pete Crow-Armstrong. The center fielder dove at the ball, knocking it down with his chest, but an errant throw allowed Durbin to get to second with two outs.
This could have been real bad for PCA and the Cubs pic.twitter.com/IHTUBVCtbt
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
Brewers 2, Cubs 1
9:11 p.m. HOME RUN — Already, there have been three solo home runs in Game 5. Andrew Vaughn blasts a cutter over the middle of the plate deep into left field and over the wall, breaking the tie with two outs on Colin Rea. Milwaukee is back on top.
Andrew Vaughn hammers one for the lead in Milwaukee 💪😤 pic.twitter.com/WJPU0W67m8
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2025
9:07 p.m. — Misiorowski is back in a rhythm after allowing the home run. He goes for a 1-2-3 top of the fourth, striking out Suzuki this time around.
End of third inning: Brewers 1, Cubs 1
8:59 p.m. — With Rea still pitching for Chicago, the Brewers started the bottom of the third well, as Joey Ortiz reached on a Swanson throwing error. Instead, the Cubs bounce right back with a double play, then Rea gets Brice Turang swinging. We remain tied.
Dansby Swanson’s high throw allows Joey Ortiz to reach first pic.twitter.com/yrzPlJ1tt5
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
Swanson redeems himself immediately by completing the double play! pic.twitter.com/mmZ1L0Ga2F
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 12, 2025
8:52 p.m. — It’s a scoreless top of the third for the Cubs, despite a hit from Nico Hoerner.
8:48 p.m. — Misiorowski hits 100 mph on the radar gun to open the third frame. It is loud in Milwaukee:
This environment ‼️#MagicBrew pic.twitter.com/3RCclOXYsJ
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) October 12, 2025
End of second inning: Brewers 1, Cubs 1
8:43 p.m. — Durbin stole second after his hit, but it’s for naught. Rea gets Blake Perkins to fly out to end the second inning.
8:41 p.m. — Pomeranz is also out for Chicago already. The Cubs put Colin Rea on the mound for the bottom of the second, and he allows a single to Caleb Durbin with two outs. We’re certainly due for a bullpen game on both sides of Game 5.
8:34 p.m. — Jacob Misiorowski, now in the game for the Brewers, escapes with just the solo homer on his line for the inning. The rookie came in after just one frame for Megill, striking out Dansby Swanson to keep it at 1-1.
Brewers 1, Cubs 1
8:30 p.m. HOME RUN — How about two solo shots to begin this game? Seiya Suzuki leads off the top of the second with a home run to match Contreras, and we’re tied once again. Milwaukee’s advantage didn’t last long.
TIE GAME!
Seiya Suzuki answers back right away 💪 pic.twitter.com/LRRuHQfnQ0
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2025
End of first inning: Brewers 1, Cubs 0
8:23 p.m. HOME RUN — Milwaukee strikes first. William Contreras launches a home run into left-center field, and the home crowd erupts as the Brewers take the first step toward the NLCS. It’s 1-0.
The @Brewers strike first in Game 5 thanks to William Contreras 😤 pic.twitter.com/bhdgguHaTS
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2025
8:15 p.m. — Megill is fired up. He strikes out Kyle Tucker, making it a 1-2-3 inning for the Cubs to lead off.
Fire us up 🔥
Game 5 is off to an electric start 😤 pic.twitter.com/wTHuHMQ34k
— MLB (@MLB) October 12, 2025
8:11 p.m. — Closer-turned-opener Trevor Megill has fired in his first pitches. Game 5 is under way in Milwaukee, as he gets both Michael Busch and Nico Hoerner to fly out.
Pregame
8:06 p.m. — The Brewers are handing out these rally towels tonight:
The Brewers are handing out these rally towels ahead of tonight’s win-or-go-home Game 5 in Milwaukee 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/MhYxDWYll7
— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2025
8:04 p.m. — First pitch is minutes away. Three teams have booked their ticket to the championship series: the Dodgers, Blue Jays and Mariners. Will it be the Cubs or Brewers who keep their title dreams alive?
5:45 p.m. — Following consecutive losses on the road, here’s how the Brewers will line up tonight seeking to finally close out the series.
It all comes down to this
📺: @tbsnetwork
📻: @620wtmj#MagicBrew pic.twitter.com/GccZaEvboN— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) October 11, 2025
5:44 p.m. — Here’s the Cubs’ lineup as they attempt to make a 2-0 series comeback tonight:
Game 5. pic.twitter.com/gwtyNv5pBN
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 11, 2025
5:40 p.m. — Both teams are going with relievers to open Game 5. For the Cubs, it’s lefty Drew Pomeranz (2.17 ERA, 57 Ks in regular season) on the mound. Milwaukee is starting with right-hander Trevor Megill (2.49 ERA, 60 Ks in regular season).
Your NLDS Game 5 starters tonight:
Cubs: LHP Drew Pomeranz
Brewers: RHP Trevor Megill pic.twitter.com/lmM19SFrEC— MLB (@MLB) October 11, 2025
Where to watch Cubs vs. Brewers Game 5
Cubs vs. Brewers start time
- Date: Saturday, October 11
- Time: 8:08 p.m. ET, 5:08 p.m. ET
Game 5 of the NLDS between the Cubs and Brewers will start at 8:08 p.m. ET from American Family Field in Milwaukee.
What channel is Cubs vs. Brewers on today?
- TV channel: TBS, TruTV
- Live stream: DirecTV, HBO Max
Saturday’s game will be aired on TBS. Alex Faust will be on the call, serving as the game’s play-by-play analyst. He’ll be joined by Ron Darling (analyst) and Lauren Jbara (on-field reporter).
Cord-cutters can find the action on HBO Max or DirecTV.
MLB playoff schedule 2025
Wild Card Series schedule
Tuesday, Sept. 30
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1: Tigers 2, Guardians 1 | 1:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 1: Cubs 3, Padres 1 | 3:08 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 1: Red Sox 3, Yankees 1 | 6:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 1: Dodgers 10, Reds 5 | 9:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
Wednesday Oct. 1
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 2: Guardians 6, Tigers 1 | 1:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 2: Padres 3, Cubs 1 | 3:08 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 2: Yankees 4, Red Sox 3 | 6:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 2: Dodgers 8, Reds 4 | 9:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
Thursday, Oct. 2
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 3: Tigers 6, Guardians 3 | 3:08 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 3: Cubs 3, Padres 1 | 5:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Game 3: Yankees 4, Red Sox 0 | 8:08 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
Division Series schedule, scores
Saturday, Oct. 4
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLDS Game 1: Brewers 9, Cubs 3 | 2:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
| ALDS Game 1: Blue Jays 10, Yankees 1 | 4:08 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
| NLDS Game 1: Dodgers 5, Phillies 3 | 6:38 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
| ALDS Game 1: Tigers 3, Mariners 2 | 9:08 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
Sunday, Oct. 5
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| ALDS Game 2: Blue Jays 13, Yankees 7 | 4:08 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| ALDS Game 2: Mariners 3, Tigers 2 | 8:08 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
Monday, Oct. 6
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLDS Game 2: Dodgers 4, Phillies 3 | 6:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
| NLDS Game 2: Brewers 7, Cubs 3 | 9:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
Tuesday, Oct. 7
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| ALDS Game 3: Mariners 8, Tigers 4 | 4:08 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| ALDS Game 3: Yankees 9, Blue Jays 6 | 8:08 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
Wednesday, Oct. 8
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| ALDS Game 4: Tigers 9, Mariners 3 | 3:08 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| NLDS Game 3: Cubs 4, Brewers 3 | 5:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
| ALDS Game 4: Blue Jays 5, Yankees 2 | 7:08 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| NLDS Game 3: Phillies 8, Dodgers 2 | 9:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
Thursday, Oct. 9
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLDS Game 4: Dodgers 2, Phillies 1 | 6:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
| NLDS Game 4: Cubs 6, Brewers 0 | 9:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
Friday, Oct. 10
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| ALDS Game 5: Mariners 3, Tigers 2 | 4:40 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
Saturday, Oct. 11
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLDS Game 5: Brewers vs. Cubs | 8:08 p.m. | TBS, DirecTV |
*If necessary
League Championship Series schedule
Sunday, Oct. 12
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| ALCS Game 1: Mariners vs. Blue Jays | 8:03 p.m. | Fox/FS1, Fubo |
Monday, Oct. 13
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLCS Game 1: Dodgers vs. Cubs/Brewers | TBD | TBS, DirecTV |
| ALCS Game 2: Mariners vs. Blue Jays | TBD | Fox/FS1, Fubo |
Tuesday, Oct. 14
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLCS Game 2: Dodgers vs. Cubs/Brewers | TBD | TBS, DirecTV |
Wednesday, Oct. 15
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| ALCS Game 3: Blue Jays vs. Mariners | TBD | Fox/FS1, Fubo |
Thursday, Oct. 16
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLCS Game 3: Cubs/Brewers vs. Dodgers | TBD | TBS, DirecTV |
| ALCS Game 4: Blue Jays vs. Mariners | TBD | Fox/FS1, Fubo |
Friday, Oct. 17
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLCS Game 4: Cubs/Brewers vs. Dodgers | TBD | TBS, DirecTV |
| ALCS Game 5: Blue Jays vs. Mariners* | TBD | Fox/FS1, Fubo |
*If necessary
Saturday, Oct. 18
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLCS Game 5: Dodgers vs. Cubs/Brewers* | TBD | TBS, DirecTV |
*If necessary
Sunday, Oct. 19
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| ALCS Game 6: Mariners vs. Blue Jays* | TBD | Fox/FS1, Fubo |
*If necessary
Monday, Oct. 20
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLCS Game 6: Cubs/Brewers vs. Dodgers* | TBD | TBS, DirecTV |
| ALCS Game 7: Mariners vs. Blue Jays* | TBD | Fox/FS1, Fubo |
*If necessary
Tuesday, Oct. 21
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| NLCS Game 7: Dodgers vs. Cubs/Brewers* | TBD | TBS, DirecTV |
*If necessary
World Series schedule 2025
Friday, Oct. 24
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1: TBD vs. TBD | TBD | Fox, Fubo |
Saturday, Oct. 25
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 2: TBD vs. TBD | TBD | Fox, Fubo |
Monday, Oct. 27
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 3: TBD vs. TBD | TBD | Fox, Fubo |
Tuesday, Oct. 28
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 4: TBD vs. TBD | TBD | Fox, Fubo |
Wednesday, Oct. 29
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 5: TBD vs. TBD* | TBD | Fox, Fubo |
*If necessary
Friday, Oct. 31
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 6: TBD vs. TBD* | TBD | Fox, Fubo |
*If necessary
Saturday, Nov. 1
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| Game 7: TBD vs. TBD* | TBD | Fox, Fubo |
*If necessary
