When Trevor Megill, the Milwaukee Brewers’s All‑Star closer, took the mound as an opener on Saturday night, the result was a 3‑1 win that sent Milwaukee to the National League Championship Series.
The drama unfolded at American Family Field on October 11, 2025, the final game of a bruising NLDS against the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs had already etched a piece of baseball history – they were the first team ever to launch a first‑inning homer in four straight postseason games. Brewers’ skipper Pat Murphy answered with a gamble that paid off: an opener who usually shuts doors now opened one.
Why the Brewers Turned to an Opener
Megill entered the season with a sparkling 2.49 ERA and 30 saves, but a right‑flexor strain in late September forced him into a brief rehab stint. He returned for a single inning of relief against Cincinnati in the regular‑season finale, earning a roster spot for the postseason. When the Cubs began their early‑inning onslaught, Murphy recalled a 2022 experiment when the Brewers briefly used a reliever as starter during a double‑header. "We needed a pitcher who could shut the door for that first frame and then let the bulk arm settle in," Murphy said after the game.
The decision also reflected a league‑wide trend toward “opener” strategies, popularized by the Tampa Bay Rays. By sending Megill out for one clean inning, Milwaukee disrupted the Cubs’ timing and forced them to face a pitcher they hadn’t scouted for a start.
Game 5: The Pitching Carousel
Megill’s first‑inning 1‑2‑3 was textbook: a fastball‑first strike, a cutter that chased Seiya Suzuki off the plate, and a change‑up that induced a grounder to second. The Cubs, who had lofted a homer in the first inning of every prior game, went quiet.
After the opener, rookie flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski shouldered the bulk of the innings. He slipped on a second‑pitch home run from Suzuki in the second inning, but settled quickly, delivering four solid frames while limiting the Cubs to a single run.
Meanwhile, the Cubs opted for left‑hander Drew Pomeranz as their starter – a 36‑year‑old who hadn’t thrown in the majors from 2022‑24. Pomeranz posted a 2.17 ERA in 57 games this season and entered Game 5 with a 57‑to‑15 strikeout‑to‑walk ratio. He lasted three innings, giving up two runs, including the decisive seventh‑inning homer by Brice Turang that put Milwaukee up 3‑2.
The bullpen contrast was stark. Milwaukee’s relievers – Colin Rea, Aaron Ashby and the rested Abner Uribe (who had taken over closing duties while Megill recovered) – combined for a shutout after the opener. Chicago’s bullpen surrendered both of the Cubs’ runs, underscoring the Brewers’ depth.
Reactions from the Dugout and Bench
"I told the guys we weren't going to let the Cubs dictate the tempo," Murphy explained on the post‑game conference call. "Trevor’s experience, even in a one‑inning role, gave us the confidence to swing the series in our favor."
Cubs manager Craig Counsell was less sanguine: "We knew the opener was a risk. Our guys fought back, but the early nerves showed. It’s a tough way to lose a series, but we’ll learn from it."
Analyst Jenna Lee of ESPN noted, "The Brewers made a textbook ‘move‑the‑ladder’ play. By neutralizing the Cubs’ first‑inning power, they forced a longer game where Milwaukee’s depth shone."
What This Win Means for Milwaukee’s Postseason Hopes
The 3‑1 triumph snaps a string of five straight one‑and‑done postseason exits for the Brewers, the most recent dating back to the 2019 Wild Card loss to Washington. It also marks the franchise’s first NLCS appearance since 2018, when they fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a seven‑game series.
Statistically, the Brewers out‑performed the Cubs in every major category: a .308 batting average versus .250, three runs on three home runs versus two runs on two homers, and a bullpen ERA of 0.00 after the first inning compared to Chicago’s 4.50.
Fans in Milwaukee celebrated with a wave of fireworks outside the stadium, while local bars reported a 42% surge in beer sales after the final out – a tangible sign of how deep the city’s baseball fever runs.
Looking Ahead: NLCS vs. the Dodgers
The Brewers now turn their attention to a rematch with the Los Angeles Dodgers, set to begin on Monday, October 13, 2025. The upcoming series is tagged as National League Championship SeriesLos Angeles. It will be a test of whether the opener strategy can be repeated against a lineup that boasts a .275 team average and a deep bullpen anchored by veteran closer Kenley Jansen.
Murphy hinted that Megill could again see a non‑traditional role if needed, but he also praised Misiorowski’s poise, saying, "Jacob earned his spot. He can go five innings if the situation calls for it." The Dodgers, meanwhile, have expressed confidence in their rotation, with ace Walker Buehler slated to start Game 1.
For Milwaukee fans, the question now is not just if the Brewers can win, but whether their bold, data‑driven approach can become a template for future postseason success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Brewers choose an opener for a winner‑take‑all game?
The Cubs had hit first‑inning homers in each of the first four games, so Milwaukee’s staff wanted to shut that door down immediately. Trevor Megill’s experience and his 2.49 ERA made him a reliable option to deliver a clean first frame and then hand the game to a bulk pitcher.
How did Jacob Misiorowski perform after giving up the early home run?
Misiorowski settled quickly, throwing four innings of mostly strikeouts and limiting the Cubs to just one run. His ability to bounce back after the second‑pitch homer was crucial in preserving the Brewers’ lead.
What does this victory mean for the Brewers’ postseason record?
It ends a streak of five straight one‑game eliminations and sends Milwaukee to its first NLCS since 2018. The win also highlights the depth of their bullpen, which gave up zero runs after the opener.
Who will the Brewers face next, and when does the series start?
Milwaukee will meet the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, which kicks off on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Could the opener strategy become a regular part of the Brewers’ playoff playbook?
Manager Pat Murphy believes the success in Game 5 validates the approach, especially against teams that thrive early. He’s hinted that they’ll keep it in the toolbox for future series, adapting based on opponent strengths.