Cubs-Brewers NLDS: Where to Watch the Decisive Game 5 Clash on October 12

Cubs-Brewers NLDS: Where to Watch the Decisive Game 5 Clash on October 12

MILWAUKEE — The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, locked in a fierce National League Division Series that has electrified the I-94 Rivalry, head into a winner-take-all Game 5 on Sunday night. After a grueling back-and-forth battle that saw the Brewers grab a 2-0 lead at American Family Field before the Cubs clawed back with wins in Games 3 and 4 at Wrigley Field, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. First pitch is scheduled for 7:08 p.m. CDT (8:08 p.m. EDT) at American Family Field, with the victor advancing to the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

This Cubs vs. Brewers showdown marks the first postseason meeting between the NL Central foes, amplifying a rivalry already simmering with history—and a dash of personal intrigue. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who spent five seasons leading the Brewers to five playoff appearances before jumping to Chicago in 2023, returns to Milwaukee under the brightest lights yet. Booed lustily by Brewers fans during the series opener on October 4, Counsell has navigated the noise with characteristic calm, focusing his squad on the task at hand. “These are two cities that are close together, very close,” Counsell said earlier this week. “The proximity makes rivalries, too.”

For fans eager to catch every pitch of this MLB playoff thriller, here’s a comprehensive guide on where to watch the Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers on October 12, including TV channels, streaming options, and radio broadcasts. Whether you’re tuning into Cubs baseball from the Windy City or rooting for a Brewers game today in Cream City, the action is accessible nationwide.

TV Coverage: What Channel Is the Cubs vs. Brewers Game On?

The entire NLDS, including Game 5, airs exclusively on TBS as part of the network’s slate of MLB games. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. CDT, with pregame analysis from hosts Ernie Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Jimmy Rollins, and Curtis Granderson. Play-by-play duties fall to Brian Anderson, with Ron Darling on color commentary and Lauren Shehadi reporting from the field. For those without cable, truTV will simulcast the broadcast in select markets.

• Primary Channel: TBS (check local listings for channel number; e.g., Comcast Chicago: 47; DirecTV Milwaukee: 247).
• Alternate: truTV (e.g., Comcast: 48; DirecTV: 246).

If you’re asking “what channel is the Cubs game on today” or “what channel is the Brewers game on today,” TBS is your go-to for this Cubs game tonight. Local affiliates like Marquee Sports Network (Cubs) and Bally Sports Wisconsin (Brewers) will not carry the national broadcast but may offer pre- and postgame shows.

Streaming Options: How to Watch the Cubs vs. Brewers Online

Cord-cutters won’t miss a beat with a variety of streaming services offering live access to TBS. For those searching “how to watch Cubs game today” or “where to watch Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs,” these platforms provide seamless coverage of the Brewers vs. the Cubs game:

• Max (formerly HBO Max): Stream the full game via the B/R Sports add-on tier ($9.99/month after a free trial). Ideal for out-of-market viewers.
• Sling TV (Orange or Blue Plan): Starts at $40/month, with a Sling Day Pass option for $6 to access TBS for 24 hours—perfect for casual fans dipping into MLB games.
• YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or DirecTV Stream: All carry TBS in their base packages (from $73/month), with free trials available for new subscribers.
• MLB.TV: Blackout restrictions apply in Chicago and Milwaukee markets, but out-of-market fans can purchase the MLB Playoffs Package ($24.99 for the postseason).

Pro tip: Use a VPN like ExpressVPN if traveling abroad to bypass geo-blocks on these services. For mobile viewing, the TBS app (free with a cable login) or MLB app offers live streams tied to your provider.

Radio Broadcasts: Tune In for Brewers Radio or Cubs Audio

Can’t watch on TV? Catch the drama on the airwaves. Both teams’ flagship networks provide comprehensive coverage:

• Brewers Radio Network: Led by Jeff Levering and Lane Grindle on 620 AM WTMJ (Milwaukee flagship) and affiliates statewide. Stream via the Brewers app or Audacy.
• Cubs Radio: Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer call the action on 670 AM The Score (Chicago) and the Cubs app.
• SiriusXM: National coverage on Channel 89 (Brewers feed) or Channel 175 (Cubs feed), with a free first month for new subscribers.

For those pondering “Brewers radio” options, the Brewers Radio Network extends to FM-94.5 WKTI in Milwaukee and online at brewers.com.

Pregame Buzz: Key Storylines for the Cubs Brewers Game

As the Cubs game today unfolds, eyes will be on the pitching duel. Brewers skipper Pat Murphy—Counsell’s former bench coach—has hinted at a bullpen game, potentially featuring rookie Jacob Misiorowski and lefty Aaron Ashby after starter Freddy Peralta’s uneven outings. On the Cubs side, Counsell may opt for opener Drew Pomeranz to neutralize Milwaukee’s explosive early-inning offense, which has scored 11 of its 16 series runs in the first frame.

Offensively, Milwaukee’s .258 batting average (second in MLB) and stars like Christian Yelich and Jackson Chourio give them an edge, but Chicago’s power (sixth in home runs with 223) has shone in clutch moments. Brewers pitchers, boasting a league-second 3.59 ERA, face a Cubs lineup that’s won 38.8% of games as underdogs this season. For those eyeing a Cubs vs. Brewers prediction, oddsmakers slightly favor the home-standing Brewers (-135), but the Cubs’ momentum from Thursday’s 6-0 shutout in Game 4 suggests a coin flip.

This Brewers game today isn’t just about advancing—it’s a chapter in one of baseball’s most heated intradivision sagas. As fans pack American Family Field and bars from Wrigleyville to Walker’s Point, the question lingers: Will Counsell exact revenge on his old club, or will Milwaukee send the prodigal son home empty-handed?

Tune in to TBS at 7:08 p.m. CDT for what promises to be an instant classic in the 2025 baseball