Sat Oct 11 17:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Cubs Tap Pomeranz as Opener for Crucial Game 5 vs. Brewers**
**MILWAUKEE, WI –** In a high-stakes move, the Chicago Cubs will send left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz to the mound as the opener for tonight’s winner-take-all Game 5 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.
Pomeranz has been a postseason revelation, delivering five perfect innings across the NL Wild Card Series and the NLDS. He’s the first pitcher since Mark Melancon of the 2020 Braves to record five consecutive postseason appearances of one inning without allowing a baserunner.
While Pomeranz has had success as an opener previously in the regular season, the Cubs’ bullpen will be heavily relied upon to secure the remaining outs. Possible following pitchers include Aaron Civale, Colin Rea, and Ben Brown. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized that all pitchers are available, with the exception of Matthew Boyd, framing the game as a collective effort to navigate through 27 outs.
The role of Shota Imanaga, who struggled in Game 2, remains uncertain. He could potentially be saved for the NL Championship Series, should the Cubs advance, which begins Monday night at Dodger Stadium against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Imanaga has struggled with the long ball recently, surrendering 15 home runs in his last eight appearances, including the postseason.
With their season on the line, the Cubs are banking on Pomeranz to set the tone and a strong bullpen effort to secure a spot in the NLCS.
First Piper 