The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a pivotal Game 5 in the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. This must-win matchup will occur on Saturday, setting the stage for a potential path to the NL Championship Series.
Cubs’ Strategic Pitching Plan for Game 5
As the Cubs anticipate their game against the Brewers, they are preparing as if the postseason will extend beyond this weekend. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the necessity of being ready for an upcoming series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. “We’re going to L.A. after Milwaukee, so you have to be prepared to do it,” Counsell stated.
Key Players Impacting the Game
- Cade Horton: The 24-year-old rookie, a frontrunner for the NL Rookie of the Year, will not participate after suffering a fractured rib. His recovery continues, and he remains on the injured list.
- Shota Imanaga: The 32-year-old lefty is a strong candidate to start Game 5. However, he struggled recently, posting an 8.10 ERA in the postseason.
- Collin Rea, Michael Soroka, and Ben Brown: These right-handers are potential alternatives to Imanaga. Rea has pitched effectively in relief, with a recent record of 18 strikeouts over his last 12.2 innings.
Pitching Strategy Explained
Counsell has affirmed a comprehensive approach for Game 5, indicating all available pitchers will be utilized. “This is a game where we’re going to have everybody available,” he noted. With the exception of Matt Boyd, who recently pitched 67 effective pitches, the entire bullpen will be on standby.
The Cubs can count on five key pitchers: Drew Pomeranz, Daniel Palencia, Andrew Kittredge, Caleb Thielbar, and Brad Keller. This group contributed notably in prior games, allowing only one run over 10.1 innings.
With such a critical game ahead, it’s crucial for the Cubs to manage their pitching strategy effectively. Counsell acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We’ve got 11 pitchers to figure out how to get 27 outs.” The team plan emphasizes collaboration among pitchers to maximize performance and secure a win.
What’s Next?
If the Cubs prevail on Saturday, they will move on to face the Dodgers. The NLCS is set to begin on Monday, with the venue still undecided. A win for the Brewers would see them host the Dodgers instead.
As the baseball postseason intensifies, all eyes will be on the Cubs’ pitching plan in this crucial Game 5, marking their opportunity to advance to the NLCS for the first time since 2017.
