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Chi. Cubs (2-2) at Milwaukee (2-2)
- When: Oct 11 2025, 8:08 PM
- Where: American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Where to watch: TBS
Chi. Cubs vs Milwaukee MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Milwaukee -145
Spread: Milwaukee -1.5 (+145)
Total: 7.5
Milwaukee Brewers: Leaning on Homefield and Resilience
The Milwaukee Brewers have no room left for error as they return home for a win-or-go-home Game 5 on Saturday night. After cruising through the first two games at American Family Field, Milwaukee suddenly finds itself on the brink of elimination following two straight losses in Chicago, including a 6-0 shutout that completely flipped the series.
Manager Pat Murphy remains confident, citing his club’s resilience and experience. The Brewers will rely on their home crowd and bullpen depth to pull through. Rookie fireballer Jacob Misiorowski is expected to play a key role after his electric Game 2 outing, where he hit 104 mph while shutting down the Cubs over three scoreless innings.
The Brewers’ bats, however, must wake up. After hitting .450 with runners in scoring position in their first two wins, Milwaukee managed just two hits with men on base in Games 3 and 4 combined. Brice Turang and Christian Yelich need to spark the top of the order early to avoid another sluggish start.
Prediction: The Brewers’ bullpen should stabilize at home, and a better offensive approach should help them edge out the Cubs in a tense Game 5.
Chicago Cubs: Riding Momentum and First-Inning Firepower
The Chicago Cubs have made this series a roller coaster, bouncing back from an 0-2 deficit to force a deciding Game 5. Their secret weapon? Explosive starts. The Cubs have scored 11 first-inning runs in this series, repeatedly ambushing Milwaukee’s pitching staff before they can settle in.
Manager Craig Counsell isn’t naming a starter, opting instead for an “all hands on deck” approach, with Shota Imanaga a possible option on short rest. Expect a mix of starters and relievers to patch together 27 outs. Offensively, Ian Happ and Michael Busch have been nightmares for Milwaukee’s pitchers, combining for five home runs through four games.
Chicago’s ability to generate early offense has been the difference, but their bullpen, which has logged heavy innings, remains a question mark. If the Cubs can strike first again, they’ll put serious pressure on a Brewers lineup that’s been inconsistent when trailing.
Prediction: The Cubs’ confidence is sky-high, but facing Milwaukee at home in an elimination spot is a tall order. Expect a tight game, but Milwaukee’s experience and bullpen depth give them the edge.
Prediction & Betting Angle
The Brewers’ season comes down to one night in front of their home fans. With momentum swinging wildly, expect a tense, low-scoring duel that could go down to the final pitch. Expect a nail-biter in Milwaukee as both teams throw everything they’ve got at each other. The Brewers’ bullpen depth and home crowd should be just enough to hold off the Cubs’ early surge.
Score Prediction: Brewers 5, Cubs 3
Pick: Milwaukee -1.5 (+145)
Total: Over 7.5 (-105)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
