The Milwaukee Brewers–Chicago Cubs playoff series will come down to a winner-take-all Game 5.

After winning the first two games in the National League Division Series with inspiring performances, the Brewers failed to close out the Cubs in Chicago in Games 3 and 4 with uninspiring showings and the series is now tied, 2-2.

The Brewers’ first inning pitching woes were the biggest reason – a discouraging theme all series. In Game 4 on Oct. 9, the Cubs jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead behind an Ian Happ home run against Freddy Peralta and they delivered a couple more long balls late on their way to a dominant 6-0 victory.

And after scoring a combined 16 runs in Games 1 and 2, the Brewers offense has fallen flat the last two games at Wrigley Field and couldn’t deliver any clutch swings, going down quietly when they had an opportunity to end their rival’s season on consecutive days.

Can the Brewers now recapture the magic for one game to win their first playoff series since 2018 and avoid another heartbreaking postseason exit? Or will the Cubs ride the momentum back to Milwaukee to win yet another elimination game and become one of the rare teams that comes back from down 0-2?

It’s Brewers vs. Cubs on Saturday night. The winner advances to the NL Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The loser goes home.

Here’s what to know about the Brewers’ next game, playoff schedule and postseason bracket:

When is the Brewers next game? Game 5 start time vs Cubs

The Brewers and Cubs will play in Game 5 of their best-of-five series on Saturday night, Oct. 11.

First pitch is 7:08 p.m.

Where is Brewers vs Cubs Game 5?

Game 5 of the Brewers-Cubs playoff series will be played at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

As the top seed in the playoffs, the Brewers have home-field advantage. Milwaukee won the first two games at home, 9-3, and 7-3.

The Brewers tied for the third-best home record in baseball during the regular season at 52-29.

How to watch Brewers vs Cubs Game 5, TV channel

Game 5 of Brewers-Cubs playoff series airs on TBS, truTV and streams on HBO Max.

Watch the Brewers in the playoffs

Brewers playoff schedule 2025

Here is the full playoff schedule for Brewers-Cubs in the NLDS:

Game 1 on Oct. 4: Milwaukee Brewers 9, Chicago Cubs 3 (Brewers lead series, 1-0)

Game 2 on Oct. 6: Milwaukee Brewers 7, Chicago Cubs 3 (Brewers lead series, 2-0)

Game 3 on Oct. 8: Chicago Cubs 4, Milwaukee Brewers 3 (Brewers lead series, 2-1)

Game 4 on Oct. 9: Chicago Cubs 6, Milwaukee Brewers 0 (Series tied, 2-2)

Game 5: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers, Saturday, Oct. 11, TBS, 7:08 p.m.

NLCS schedule

The winner of the Brewers-Cubs series faces the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, beginning Monday, Oct. 13.

The NLCS is a best-of-seven format. The highest seeded team will host Games 1 and 2.

Game 1: Monday, Oct. 13Game 2: Tuesday, Oct. 14Game 3: Thursday, Oct. 16Game 4: Friday, Oct. 17Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, Oct. 18Game 6: (if necessary) Monday, Oct. 20Game 7 (if necessary): Tuesday, Oct. 21MLB playoff bracket 2025National LeagueWild card series

Best-of-three format

Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers; Dodgers win the series, 2-0San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs; Cubs win the series, 2-1Division series

Best-of-five format

Los Angeles Dodgers (3) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (2); Dodgers win series, 3-1Chicago Cubs (4) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (1); Series tied, 2-2Championship Series

Best-of-seven format

Chicago Cubs (4)/Milwaukee Brewers (1) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (3)American LeagueWild card series

Best-of-three format

Boston Red Sox (5) vs. New York Yankees (4); Yankees win series, 2-1Detroit Tigers (6) vs. Cleveland Guardians (3); Tigers win series, 2-1Division Series

Best-of-five format

Championship Series

Best-of-seven format

Detroit Tigers (6)/Seattle Mariners (2) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (1)