The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers had never faced each other in the postseason, though they did play a notable Game 163 tiebreaker in 2018. And it’s sure they packed a decade of drama into just four games. For the first time in postseason history, the Cubs homered in every first inning of the series. Despite that, the Brewers take an early commanding 2-0 series lead. But then, the Cubs’ magic works in Wrigley Field, winning back-to-back games and forcing the series to a winner-take-all Game 5.

Facing this relentless first-inning barrage, the Brewers decided they’re starting their All-Star closer, Trevor Megill, in the do-or-die Game 5, though they have Jacob Misiorowski in hand, who impressed everyone with three scoreless innings in Game 2 start. Megill will face off against the Cubs’ starter and former Brewer Drew Pomeranz.  Milwaukee was desperate to change the early-game narrative, and Manager Pat Murphy explained the decision came from a collaborative discussion in the front office.

“The pitching guys, myself and [general manager] Matt Arnold, we just sat in a room,” Murphy said. “We just talked about the possibilities and considered a ton of factors.” Murphy then reminded the team of a mantra Megill himself created: “The power of friendship,” referencing Megill’s All-Star Game interview where he coined the phrase. Since then, it has become a rallying cry on Clubhouse T-shirts during their amazing 97-win season. So Murphy concluded, “He started it all. We thought it would be a good way to start.”

Using Megill as an opener is certainly unconventional. He broke through as the team’s closer last season after Devin Williams’ injury, and then he posted a brilliant 2.49 ERA and racked up 30 saves this season as well.

After that, he was sidelined for some time due to a strained flexor injury when Abner Uribe was closing the games in his place. Then a relief innings against the Reds set him for the Brewers’ NLDS roster. And Megill has already appeared twice in relief during this series, where he has just 12 pitches in his last outing in Game 4 and recorded one out.

So, for now, everything is on the line.

Now, the question is, how will the rest of the game unfold?

For the Cubs manager, Craig Counsell, it’s an “all hands on deck” situation. Even Game 3 starter Jameson Taillon said he is willing to pitch if needed. Shota Imanaga could provide multiple innings after the opener. Counsell also has hard-throwing righty Daniel Palencia for key middle-inning spots. The back end of the bullpen features reliable arms like Andrew Kittredge, Brad Keller, and lefty Caleb Thielbar, ready for the situation.

And the Brewers? They are on the same boat as well. With Megill starting, their usual bullpen roles are completely shuffled. Young rookie Jacob Misiorowski could be a key bulk-inning guy. Abner Uribe, who closed games while Megill was injured, is fresh and ready. Right-hander Nick Mears and lefty Jared Koenig will also be available after some rest, as they didn’t pitch in Game 4 at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs lead all teams this postseason with an impressive 11 home runs. Their incredible comeback in this series was fueled by the long ball. Key hitters like Ian Happ, Michael Busch, and Kyle Tucker, who is still out of the field, all looked good and smashed home runs in the last game. Now it’ll be interesting to see if the bullpen game can hold their offense or eventually help them to tear the game apart as they already did so far in their last two games.