The series finale is here, and it will be played at American Family Field. The last time these two teams met in Games 1 and 2, the crowd was no less than a 10th player. Over 42,000 fans packed the stadium, and their presence was impossible to ignore. The Cubs felt the weight of it, dropping both games against their divisional rivals. Now, with everything on the line in Game 5, Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has sent a message to Milwaukee: they’re not backing down from the noise.

The rivalry between the two clubhouses goes beyond a single series, as tensions between their fanbases have intensified over the years. In 2018, the Cubs faced the pain of losing at home when Milwaukee took the division title at Wrigley Field. Now, seven years later, can the Cubs silence the crowd at American Family Field and return the favour? Well, listening to Pete Crow-Armstrong, the answer might be YES!

Speaking to the media before Game 5, the 23-year-old didn’t flinch when asked about the hostile environment waiting for him. “I mean, yeah, this is a really cool matchup, I think, for a playoff series, just given the division rivalry here,”  Pete Crow-Armstrong said. “And I think coming in and expecting the crowd to be at full force and taking that as something that’s really exciting. Being able to use it to our advantage at home, I guess, but it’s the same game. I mean, just a little bit louder of a venue, maybe. So I think just being prepared to be in environments that can feel overwhelming at times, and just embracing the opportunity that we have playing in front of a really cool crowd. Yeah, I don’t think there’s any of us that run away from that kind of setting. I think that’s where we all wanna be.”

Home-field advantage hasn’t been a myth in this series. Milwaukee controlled Games 1 and 2 with authority, feeding off the energy pouring from the stands. The Brewers finished the 2025 regular season with a strong home record of 52-29. And they carried that momentum straight into October baseball. Their pitching staff appeared sharper, their hitters more focused, and the cheers from the stands would only enhance each moment.

That energy is building again. Milwaukee fans have circled Saturday on their calendars, and the atmosphere at American Family Field promises to be electric. “That’s October baseball. You’re up, you’re down. We’re even now, and we’re home. And the crowd is going to be behind the Brewers,” said Cindy Jorgensen, a Milwaukee supporter.

However, Chicago found that same advantage in Games 3 and 4. Playing at Wrigley, the Cubs clawed back into the series, tying it at 2-2. The noise flipped. The momentum shifted. Now, with Game 5 returning to Milwaukee, the question is simple: can the North Siders absorb the pressure, or will the Brewers ride that 10th player all the way to the NLCS? One way or another, this finale will deliver.

Not only Pete Crow-Armstrong but every member of the Cubs’ dugout is refusing to surrender for Game 5.

Eyes on the prize: Cubs fueled, unfazed, ready

The Cubs went into Game 5 with a calm assurance that came from both relief and determination. Their playoff journey has already put them through a lot. Yet, players say they are excited about the situation, not scared of it, and they almost echoed the same sentiment as Pete Crow-Armstrong.

“It’s what we love about this game,” said Carson Kelly, the Cubs’ catcher. “Every day’s a new day. We get another ticket to the dance. Anything can happen, and we’re gonna enjoy every moment of it. ” His statements reflect a wider attitude: they’re not seeing Game 5 as a do-or-die situation, but as another chance to compete. They believe in their team’s fight, no matter how loud the audience is or how much stress they are under.

Nico Hoerner, the second baseman, said, “I feel like it’s an even slate. Game 5, both teams have had great moments in this series. I love where our group’s at. We’ve played well in all phases of the game today .” He then praised their character as a group, saying, “Good resiliency, ability to have urgency without it creating panic … I think that’s brought the best out of us, which is a really telling sign about our group’s collective heartbeat. Just impressive stuff from everyone.” Hoerner’s argument is that this club has been through a lot of tough times this season, and the ups and downs of this NLDS have just made them more sure of themselves.

They know winning won’t be simple; the crowd at American Family Field will be loud, and every pitch may feel louder. Hoerner said, “Loud ballpark with noise from both fanbases there.” “Even regular season games there are pretty loud … the atmospheres were great for the first two games as well.” But the Cubs insist they’re not scared; they consider the loudness as part of the show. With two wins at home in Games 3 and 4 and no losses yet, the team feels ready.

And that’s what all October baseball is about! The rush, the chants and the seasons at stake. Can Pete Crow-Armstrong and company make it happen? Or will the home advantage take the Brewers against the mighty Dodgers?