The Cubs brought the series even on Thursday, setting the stage for a winner-take-all Game 5 tonight. For all the tension that brings, the Brewers get to face the task at home in Milwaukee.
The Brewers decided to start Trevor Megill today, starting out with one of their best arms after a series full of early run production. Megill was an All-Star this year, posting a 2.49 ERA with 30 saves over 47 innings. He’s already made two appearances this postseason, pitching one total inning. With just 21 pitches
under his belt in this series, how far will he go as the opener? It’s important to remember he only recently returned from injury, and so he might not work much more than an inning if the Brewers are cautious with his workload.
Sal Frelick provided some commentary on the decision, per Adam McCalvy:
“They could have picked out of a hat anybody, and I would have had the same feeling, right? Anyone on this team is going to go out there and execute for us. I couldn’t be happier Trevor’s getting the ball. We’ve seen it all year, he’s just a dog on the mound. Just go out, let him do his thing, and whatever happens, happens. But we’ll have his back defensively regardless, so it should be good.”
As for Chicago, they will also roll with an opener in Drew Pomeranz. The 36-year-old lefty had a 2.17 ERA this regular season and has pitched five perfect innings this postseason. According to Christina De Nicola, some of the Cubs follow-up options include Aaron Civale, Ben Brown, and Colin Rea.
The Brewers lineup with left fielder Jackson Chourio in the leadoff spot. He’s been one of the team’s hottest hitters this postseason, going 7-for-15 with six RBIs. Joining him in the outfield are center fielder Blake Perkins and right fielder Sal Frelick.
Around the infield, Caleb Durbin, Joey Ortiz, Brice Turang, and Andrew Vaughn assume their normal roles. William Contreras starts behind the dish with Christian Yelich at designated hitter, batting cleanup.
First pitch is at 7:08 p.m. CT on HBO Max, TBS, truTV, and the Brewers Radio Network.
