This will be the second week we lead the best broadcasting moments column with the announcer of the Carolina Panthers game. Who would have thought that two weeks ago? Not me. That’s why we love watching the NFL on television.

We’re highlighting Carolina for a couple of reasons. They are:

• It was another exciting Panthers game! Carolina won 30-27 – the highest-scoring game of the week as of this writing – over the Dallas Cowboys on Ryan Fitzgerald’s walk-off field goal from 33 yards out.
• Adam Amin.

Amin was behind the mic for Fox for the epic 15-inning American League Division Series winner-take-all Game 5 between the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners on Friday. He nailed the call for a game that will go down in history as a classic.

About 36 hours after that game ended, he and Greg Olsen were live from the opposite coast. Once again, Amin nailed it.

That is the combination of range and grind we love at ‘best broadcasting moments.’

Amin and Olsen don’t normally work together. Amin will be without his normal partner, Mark Sanchez, for what appears to be an extended period.

Olsen comes close to stepping on the play and Amin’s narration but cuts out just in time. Already, Olsen has mastered timing while experimenting with the traditional limits. Fun stuff.

Here are three other moments from the booth in Week 6 that caught my eye:

Jim Nantz gets hyped about Baker Mayfield

Honestly, Jim Nantz is all of us when it comes to watching Baker Mayfield in the year 2025.

This is Nantz’s inaugural appearance on ‘best broadcasting moments’ this season. It took six weeks, but it’s hard not to be excited when Mayfield is playing like this. Nantz made sure the viewer felt that way during CBS’ broadcast.

Chris Myers casts classic announcer jinx on Sam Darnold

Those who believe in an announcer’s ability to jinx reality have never heard of the words “coincidence” or “probability” before, but it happens. In football, kickers are typically on the receiving end of the hex.

This time, the victim was Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. The perpetrator: Chris Myers of Fox.

“No sacks of Darnold in this game,” Myers said. ‘Kupp goes in motion. The blitz is on. Darnold is sacked.’

TNF Honorable Mention: Ryan Fitzpatrick and Cam Skattebo

Thursday night was basically a million years ago per the modern news cycle, but this moment between Prime Video analyst and former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo will either be legendary or completely laughable in a few years.

AI-assisted summary
• The Baltimore Ravens fell to 1-5 after a 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, prompting fan frustration.
• Baltimore’s offense struggled, failing to score a touchdown despite running three plays from the one-yard line in a row at one point.
• Injuries have plagued the team, including to quarterback Lamar Jackson, though he is expected to return after the bye week.

In the history of bye weeks, perhaps this is the most-needed one for a preseason Super Bowl contender 

Zay Flowers can’t hold onto the football. Cooper Rush can’t command the offense. The defense has backups’ backups playing due to injuries (but did play admirably against a high-powered and rested Rams offense). Fans called for head coach John Harbaugh’s job with cries of “Fire Harbaugh!” as the Ravens fell to the Los Angeles Rams, 17-3, on Sunday, Oct. 12. 

Those people are delusional, of course. Not even a healthy Lamar Jackson hamstring could make the Ravens, a popular pick by pundits and “experts” to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Santa Clara in February, whole – or a team worthy of (or close to) contending. 

But that doesn’t change how rock-bottom everything feels around the team at the moment. 

“The only worse thing is 0-6, so yes, it’s a big hole,” center Tyler Linderbaum told reporters in the locker room. “We’re going to have to bounce back, take some time to reflect on this bye week, figure (out) what we need to get better at, and we have 11 games left to try to run the table.”

Running back Derrick Henry can only do so much. Credit to the offensive line for a nice push on the opening drive, which opened enough holes for Henry to plow for 45 yards. He finished with 122, the first time he ran for more than 100 yards since his Week 1 outburst against the Buffalo Bills. But the Ravens never found the end zone, not on that successful opening possession or when they ran three straight plays from the one-yard line late in the second quarter. 

The Ravens called two tush pushes with tight end Mark Andrews in what was an insult to the operation of the much-maligned Philadelphia Eagles operation. Andrews was stood up both times. They tried Henry on fourth down and he was stopped for a loss of two. 

“As an offense, we pride ourselves on having a lot of playmakers and being able to score points, which we didn’t do today when we got down there,” Henry said, referencing himself and the Ravens’ receiver contingent of DeAndre Hopkins, Rashod Bateman and Flowers. “They held us out of the end zone on those three plays, which we all know we have to be better and get the ball in there on the one-yard line. That’s unacceptable.” 

The boos only grew louder, whether it was one of three turnovers on downs or the three actual turnovers. 

Flowers was at the center of two fumbles, the second of which was credited to quarterback Cooper Rush. The former Dallas Cowboy has proved ill-suited to be Jackson’s backup in Todd Monken’s offense, and head coach John Harbaugh replaced him with Tyler “Snoop” Huntley in the fourth quarter. 

Flowers did not stick around after the game to speak with reporters. 

“We work extremely hard,” running back Justice Hill said. “This is not a great reflection of the work we put in.”

Finding an empty seat at M&T Bank Stadium in recent seasons has been a difficult proposition. Not during Sunday’s game. Roughly one-third of the seats were available by the start of the fourth.

Harbaugh has grown “tired” of having the same conversation every week. He tried to be optimistic after the fourth consecutive loss and anticipates Jackson’s return in Week 8 after the bye against the Chicago Bears. 

“You can’t replace him,” Hill said. “Getting him back obviously will be a huge deal for our offense.” 

The Ravens’ defense held the Rams to lows in total yards (241) and net passing yards (167). Los Angeles entered the game averaging 401.8 total yards per game and 289.6 net passing yards per game – ranking second in the NFL in both categories. The defense could get Roquan Smith back soon as well. Safety Alohi Gilman (seven tackles), acquired from the Los Angeles Chargers for edge rusher Odafe Oweh last week, fared well. 

“I thought our defense played pretty darn well against a high-powered offense,” Harbaugh said. “It was good to see. We needed to see that.” 

“I’ve been on a lot of teams,” the 13-year veteran said,” but I think in critical situations, we have to be better, like in the red zone down there. In certain situations, we have to be better. I think that’s not just on the coaches, but the players, as well.” 

The bye week is a time for healing – physically, yes. Baltimore needs some emotional and spiritual healing to flush this nightmare third of a season. 

At 1-5, the opening in the AFC North – although the season is only 33.3% over – is slim (even with the struggling Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns) because of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 4-1 start. Only four teams in NFL history have made the postseason after starting 1-5.  

Or it could be a year like the San Francisco 49ers experienced last season – an expected contender whose injuries simply sank them. (Speaking of which, the Niners could be confronting a similar reality after the loss of Fred Warner on Sunday.) 

“When we come back, it’s a brand new season,” Hill said, “a brand new game.” 

LAS VEGAS — Denny Hamlin celebrated his 60th career NASCAR Cup Series victory with a legendary burnout and tears.

“I knew there was no chance I was holding it back,’ he said after winning the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a dramatic surge over the final 10 laps on Sunday, Oct. 12. “Just let it go.’’

The more Hamlin shared, the clearer it became those were not simply tears of joy.

Hamlin said his parents almost lost the family’s home because they sacrificed so much supporting Hamlin’s dream of becoming a NASCAR driver. Hamlin also relayed that his 75-year-old father is ill.

“He’s the one that got me into racing and just took me to a racetrack when I was five and then made all the sacrifices financially to keep me going,’’ Hamlin said during his post-race news conference. “Sold everything they had and we almost lost our house a couple times and just tried to keep it all going. And so I’m glad he was able to see 60.’

Nearly losing the family home wasn’t the only painful memory Hamlin shared.

“I mean, the arguments I had to listen to, I’m in my room,’’ he said. “My mom and dad are just going at it, one saying, ‘I can’t do it anymore.’ The other saying, ‘Please, just one more week.’

“It’s great that it’s all paid off and certainly they’ve got the life now that they deserve before I decided to do this.’’

The sacrifices have led Hamlin to not only to 60 career victories, including three at the Daytona 500, but credentials that surely will get him inducted into the Hall of Fame. But Hamlin did not endorse the path his family took to get him to this point.

“My parents had no money,’ Hamlin said. “My parents had very normal jobs, but they found a way. Now that way is a path that I would never recommend anybody taking. It’s every credit card that comes through the mail – OK, we’ll use it. Asking people to help, and second and third mortgage on the house and just all these things.’’

Hamlin had another reason to be emotional over Sunday’s momentous 60th victory. It guaranteed Hamlin a berth in the NASCAR Championship 4, where he will compete against three yet-to-be-determined drivers in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 2 as he seeks his first career Cup title a few weeks before his 45th birthday.

‘I just know how much work it took for this to happen,” he said.

‘

The 2025 college football season has been full of surprises through seven weeks.

Indiana football and coach Curt Cignetti are back, and look even better than they were in 2024. The Hoosiers are coming off a 30-20 road win over No. 2 Oregon, vaulting into a program-best No. 3 ranking in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

Then there’s Ole Miss and Texas A&M, who are the highest-ranked teams in the SEC so far, at No. 4 and No. 5 in the Coaches Poll, respectively.

One team that hasn’t been a surprise, however, is Ohio State, the defending national champions. The Buckeyes are undefeated so far this season and have looked like the most complete team in the country so far.

Here’s a look at each matchup including top-25 teams in Week 8 of the college football season, including predictions and odds for each game:

College football Week 8 predictions, picks, odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Sunday, Oct. 12.

No. 1 Ohio State at Wisconsin

• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Ohio State (-27.5)
• Prediction: Ohio State 42, Wisconsin 10

No. 2 Miami vs. Louisville

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Date: Friday, Oct. 17

• Spread: Miami (-13.5)
• Prediction: Miami 28, Louisville 10

No. 3 Indiana vs. Michigan State

• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Indiana (-26.5)
• Prediction: Indiana 49, Michigan State 14

No. 4 Texas A&M at Arkansas

• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Texas A&M (-7.5)
• Prediction: Texas A&M 38, Arkansas 28

No. 5 Ole Miss at No. 7 Georgia

• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Georgia (-6.5)
• Prediction: Georgia 31, Ole Miss 24

No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 11 Tennessee

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Alabama (-8.5)
• Prediction: Alabama 35, Tennessee 24

No. 8 Texas Tech at Arizona State

• Time: 4 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Texas Tech (-10)
• Prediction: Texas Tech 28, Arizona State 17

No. 9 Oregon at Rutgers

• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: No odds available
• Prediction: Oregon 44, Rutgers 10

No. 10 LSU at No. 18 Vanderbilt

• Time: Noon ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Vanderbilt (-2.5)
• Prediction: LSU 24, Vanderbilt 21

No. 12 Georgia Tech at Duke

• Time: Noon ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Duke (-2.5)
• Prediction: Georgia Tech 21, Duke 20

No. 13 Oklahoma at South Carolina

• Time: 12:45 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Oklahoma (-5.5)
• Prediction: Oklahoma 20, South Carolina 14

No. 14 BYU vs. No. 22 Utah

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Utah (-3.5)
• Prediction: Utah 24, BYU 14

No. 15 Notre Dame vs. No. 21 USC

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Notre Dame (-7.5)
• Prediction: Notre Dame 31, USC 17

No. 16 Missouri at Auburn

• Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Auburn (-1.5)
• Prediction: Missouri 21, Auburn 17

No. 17 Texas at Kentucky

• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Texas (-12.5)
• Prediction: Texas 30, Kentucky 10

No. 19 Virginia vs. Washington State

• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Virginia (-18.5)
• Prediction: Washington State 35, Virginia 31

No. 20 Memphis at UAB

• Time: 4 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Memphis (-21.5)
• Prediction: Memphis 49, UAB 14

No. 23 South Florida vs. Florida Atlantic

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: South Florida (-21.5)
• Prediction: USF 49, FAU 31

No. 24 Cincinnati at Oklahoma State

• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Date: Saturday, Oct. 18

• Spread: Cincinnati (-20.5)
• Prediction: Cincinnati 42, Oklahoma State 14

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The NBA is shaking up the way it offers its content later this week, taking a 24/7 programming approach for its mobile app and television channel.

The league announced Monday, Oct. 13 that NBA TV and the NBA app will feature live NBA games, original live shows, behind-the-scenes programming and various global events, starting on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

“NBA TV and the NBA App are designed to be a connected, global hub for basketball coverage, delivering nonstop access to live games, original programming and exclusive behind-the-scenes content,” said Sara Zuckert, the NBA Senior Vice President and Head of NBA App, in a statement. “The NBA App streaming platform will provide a seamless, always-on digital experience for fans to access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Among the original live shows offered will be ‘The Association,’ which will serve as the new weeknight primetime “basketball-cast” and feature notable names such as reporters MJ Acosta-Ruiz and Chris Haynes, former NBA coach David Fizdale and several former players, including Rudy Gay and John Wall, among others.

The show will be featured as the flagship program for the platforms. It will have the intention of providing information to viewers about league news, analysis, and the latest storylines happening across the league.

How do I watch games on NBA TV and NBA app?

Live NBA and WNBA games that are shown on NBA TV will also be accessible on the NBA App with an NBA TV subscription.

The platform is expected to air 60 exclusive NBA games during the regular season, starting with a matchup between the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder and the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

There will also be three different tripleheaders featured, including the first one on Saturday, Dec. 20.

• Houston Rockets at Denver Nuggets (5 p.m. ET)
• Charlotte Hornets at Detroit Pistons (7:30 p.m. ET)
• Los Angeles Lakers at L.A. Clippers (10:30 p.m. ET)

What else will be featured on NBA TV and NBA app?

The platforms will also highlight a selection of the top NBA podcasts and creator-driven content. Former player and ESPN analyst Tim Legler will also host a show titled ‘Coaches’ Corner,’ where he will have conversations with NBA head coaches.

Viewers will also find games and highlights from some of the league’s top prospects playing in international leagues around the world.

Three WNBA titles in four years.

A four-time league MVP with two WNBA Finals most valuable player awards.

A 16-game winning streak to end the regular season and victories in 25 of their last 28 games.

A sweep in the WNBA’s first best-of-seven championship series.

The Las Vegas Aces once again rule the WNBA, and USA TODAY Sports has crafted a commemorative page print to celebrate the latest incredible season by this dynasty and its galaxy of stars.

The full-page print highlights the Aces’ 2025 championship with stunning photography after their 97-86 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game 4, the giant headline of THREE OF A KIND and a memorable quotes from A’ja Wilson, the four-time league MVP and two-time Finals MVP.

Exclusive page print: Celebrate Aces’ latest title

The 2025 season will live forever in Aces lore and WNBA lore. Available formats include page prints, framed art with multiple frame styles, and canvases and metal prints. Sizes range from 12 inches tall all the way up to 42 inches tall. Pricing starts at $17.95, and bundling discounts are available. Order now at Aces.FrontPagePrint.com.

With championships in 2022, 2023 and now 2025, the Aces joined the old Houston Comets as the only teams to win so many titles in so short a span. The Comets captured four consecutive titles in the league’s first four seasons (1997-2000). The Minnesota Lynx won three titles in five years and four in seven in the 2010s, and the old Detroit Shock won three titles in six years in the 2000s. The game and the league, though, were different then, according to Aces coach Becky Hammon, a longtime pro player and coach who owned a 10-2 career record in the WNBA Finals.

“Those dynasties laid the groundwork, showed how winning should be done and really gave a lot to the W in so far as history,” Hammon said. “But the skill set and the level that these guys are at, to me, it’s not comparable. These ladies are at the top of the game, and it is the best basketball the W has ever seen. From top to bottom.”

Wilson’s performance in the Finals, including 31 points and nine rebounds in Game 4, added to her case as arguably the greatest player of all time. She is the first player in WNBA history to be the MVP, defensive player of the year, Finals MVP and scoring leader in the same season.

“She’s at the top of the list,” Hammon said. “She’s sitting alone on Everest. There’s no one else there.”

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of basketball history with USA TODAY Sports’ commemorative page. Plus, it’s never too early to pick up a perfect holiday gift for the hoops fan in your life.

Exclusive page print: Celebrate Aces’ latest title

Contact Gene Myers at gmyers@gannett.com. Follow him on X @GeneMyers. After nearly a quarter-century as sports editor at the Detroit Free Press, Myers unretired to coordinate book and poster projects across the USA TODAY Network. Check out more books and page prints from the USA TODAY Network — including books on Caitlin Clark’s college career and WNBA rookie season, inspiring female athletes from the state of Indiana, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first NBA championship and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Former unified welterweight champion Jaron Ennis walked away a winner at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday night.

Ennis recorded a pair of knockdowns against Uisma Lima in the first round of the 154-pound bout.

With the victory, Ennis becomes the new WBA Interim World Super Welterweight Champion. Ennis extends his undefeated record to 35 wins, including 31 knockouts.

Uisma Lima had won his last four fights before the loss to Ennis. He falls to 14-2-0 in his professional career.

Here’s what you missed from the Ennis vs. Lima main card on Saturday:

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima fight results

Jaron Ennis overwhelmed Uisma Lima throughout the first round, claiming the victory on Saturday.

Guido Vianello vs. Alexis Barriere results

Guido Vianello got the best of Alexis Barriere in the fifth round after landing several shots. Barriere fell to the ground and sat on the mat as the referee began to count, calling for the end of the fight before reaching the 10-count.

Tahmir Smalls vs. Jose Roman results

Tahmir Smalls dropped Jose Roman in the third round. Despite the early-round knockdown, the fight managed to go the distance before Smalls was declared the winner by unanimous decision.

Dennis Thompson vs. Sean Diaz results

Dennis Thompson won the six-round fight against Sean Diaz by split decision.

How to watch Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima fight

Jaron Ennis will face Uisma Lima on Saturday, October 11 with the whole event broadcasted on DAZN.

• Date: Saturday, October 11
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima main event ringwalks (approx) : 10:47 p.m. ET
• Stream:DAZN

Watch Jason Ennis vs Uisma Lima on DAZN

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima ring walk

• Jaron Ennis and Uisma Lima are expected to walk to the ring at 10:47 p.m. ET.

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima prelim fight results

• Zaquin Moses defeats Antonio Dunton-El Jr. by unanimous decision.
• Giorgio Visioli defeats James Wilkins by unanimous decision.
• Harley Mederos defeats Hylon Williams Jr. by TKO
• Naheem Parker defeats Justin Palmieri by unanimous decision.

When does Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima start?

The Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima fight card consists of nine fights and will begin at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 11, 2025 with early prelim fights. The main event for the Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima fight is expected to be around 10:47 p.m. ET. However, the duration of the undercard will impact when Ennis and Lima actually start.

Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima fight card

• Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima, Super welterweight
• Alexis Barreire vs Guido Vianello, Heavyweight
• Tahmir Smalls vs Jose Roman, Welterweight
• Dennis Thompson vs Sean Diaz, Super bantamweight
• Zaquin Moses vs Antonio Dunton-El Jr., Super featherweight
• Giorgio Visioli vs James Wilkins,  Super featherweight
• Harley Mederos vs Hylon Williams Jr., Lightweight
• Justin Palmieri vs Naheem Parker,  Lightweight

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers pleaded for their fans to show emotion Saturday night, and they got it.

They demanded someone to keep the Chicago Cubs from scoring in the first inning for the first time this National League Division Series, and All-Star closer Trevor Megill delivered.

They wanted their offense to step up, and they smacked three solo homers.

And by the end of the night, there were the Brewers, along with their delirious sellout crowd of 42,743 at American Family Field, wiping away tears from their eyes.

The Brewers did it.

They finally beat the Chicago Cubs, 3-1, winning a postseason series for the first time since 2018, slaying their longtime nemesis in the process.

The Brewers’ reward is that they get to stay home and host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the best-of-seven National League Championship Series on Monday night, in a rematch of their 2018 NLCS.

It took seven years, and now they’ve got their chance at revenge against the Dodgers, overcoming their heartbreak of a year ago when Brewers closer Devin Williams gave up a crushing, game-winning homer to Mets first baseman Pete Alonso.

“It’s not like we broke down and did something wrong,’’ Brewers manager Pat Murphy said, “it’s just that we had one guy that could not execute pitches, and we had the Mets hot. But there’s something to be learned from it. It’s not over until it’s over, and you’ve got to play it all the way.

“We mentioned it again today, just a little piece of, hey, remember those feelings and remember that awareness that you got to have.’’

The Brewers produced only six hits in the game, but, oh, how those three will be remembered.

It was Contreras hitting a homer in the first inning, followed by Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki answering in the second inning.

It was Andrew Vaughn, who was in the minor leagues for the Chicago White Sox in June, homering in the fourth.

And then, it was second baseman Brice Turang, who hadn’t produced a hit since the first game of the series, homering in the seventh.

Finally, bedlam.

The Brewers crowd, trying to wash away those memories, or maybe even dull them with hours of heavy tailgating before the game, made their emotions known from the jump. They began cheering 30 minutes before the first pitch watching the Brewers take the field, loudly booing the sight of the Cubs taking the field, increasing their boos to another level during the introductions, saving their loudest anger for Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who they view as a traitor for leaving them for the Cubs.

The Brewers did everything they could to get the crowd revved up with Hall of Famer Paul Molitor throwing out the first pitch, former Brewers great Ryan Braun screaming into the mic and waving a rally towel, and then they lowered the lights and played All-Star closer Trevor Megill’s walk-up song, “The Four Horsemen,’’ as he emerged from the bullpen to start the game.

Then, it was on, one of the most unique postseason series in history, with the starting pitchers combining for only 14 innings, and the bullpen pitching 32 innings. It was the first postseason series the starting rotations combined for fewer than three innings.

Megill made sure it would be the first time the Cubs didn’t score in the first inning, too, with a 1-2-3 inning, while the Brewers instead did the honors with Williams Contreras homering off veteran reliever Drew Pomeranz, who had retired 25 consecutive batters.

“I mean, I’ve never really seen anything like it in terms of just the first inning mayhem,’’ Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson said, “that has kind of headlined this entire series.’’

The game promptly emerged into a reliever carousel, with the bullpen door opening early and often, beginning in the second inning and carrying through the night. There were nine relievers used in the game, with rookie Jacob Misiorowski the star of the pen in only giving up three hits and one run in four innings.

“In a game like this,’’ Swanson said, “kind of all conventional thinking can go out the window.’’

Indeed, when the Brewers are starting their All-Star closer, and the Cubs are using a 36-year-old reliever who hadn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2021, conventional thinking had no place in this game.

“Drew spent a long time in the minor leagues continuing to try to, as he says, just get one more chance,’’ Counsell said. “And it turns out that that one more chance earned a big role on this team …

“He could have gone home, and he would have had a great career and nobody would have thought twice of it. Nobody would have thought he gave up at all, right? But he kept doing it because he’s doing what he loves to do.

“He kept going, and he’s created some great memories for himself because of it.’’

The Cubs played sloppy in this game with errors by Swanson and center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong in the first four innings, but it wasn’t a case of nerves, Counsell said, but simply a victim of the Brewers’ offensive style of sacrificing power to put the ball in play.

“They hit the ball on the ground a lot,’’ Counsell said, “I think that is going to lead to defensive errors. That kind of baseball produces errors. So mostly it’s a result of, from that statistic, they have a better chance to do it because of (what) their offensive players are skilled at.’’

Who knows, maybe the crowd really had an effect, with the home team winning all five games this series. The Brewers became unglued at Wrigley Field in front of the Cubs’ faithful, and this time, the Brewers appeared much more relaxed at home.

“We’ve got a really young team,’’ Murphy said. “I think everybody knows that. Maybe by far the youngest team in the postseason. That kind of stuff emotionally can affect guys. They can start to play a little too hard. This game is a game of precision, and the Cubs’ experience and what they’ve been through, they were better in this environment, for sure.’

But on this night, with the crowd willing them to victory, the Brewers were the ones standing tall.

“I admire our team, I have faith in our team,’’ Murphy said. “I think this had to happen this way.’’

Follow Nightengale on X: @BNightengale

Brewers vs. Cubs Game 5 highlights

Brewers extend lead on Brice Turang homer

Brice Turang’s first career postseason home run was just a solo shot, but it felt much, much bigger to the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Turang’s seventh-inning drive to center field off Andrew Kittredge extended the Brewers’ lead to 3-1 over the Chicago Cubs in their do-or-die NLDS Game 5. 

The Brewers have never trailed in this game, but hadn’t scratched out a run since Andrew Vaughn’s fourth-inning homer, leaving the Cubs trailing by just a run. 

Turang changed that and gave the Brewers a crucial bit of breathing room as they aim to record the final six outs and advance to the NLCS. 

Cubs-Brewers score update

Chad Patrick bailed out the Milwaukee Brewers and pitched them within six outs of the National League Championship Series. 

Patrick recorded five huge outs, inheriting a two-on, one-out situation, and kept the Chicago Cubs at bay to preserve the Brewers’ 2-1 lead heading to the bottom of the seventh. 

The Brewers are attempting a bullpen game to claim this Game 5 of the NLDS, a feat that requires all parts to fire crisply. But after lefty Aaron Ashby allowed a hit and hit a batter to start the sixth – he did strike out Kyle Tucker to fulfill the three-batter minimum – Patrick, a rookie, was asked to clean it up. 

That he did, getting a lineout from Seiya Suzuki and striking out Ian Happ to end the inning with a fist pump. 

He followed with a clean seventh, striking out Carson Kelly and Dansby Swanson in this, his fourth game of work in the five-game series.  

Brewers pull Jacob Misiorowski

The Miz is a bona fide postseason hero for the Milwaukee Brewers. 

Jacob Misiorowski pitched four innings of three-hit relief, giving up a solo home run but nothing else, and handed the Brewers bullpen a 2-1 lead over the Chicago Cubs after five innings of Game 5 of their NL Division Series. 

Misiorowski pitched three scoreless innings in Game 2, earning the win, and his ERA in seven innings of this NLDS is 1.29; he also struck out seven batters against two walks. 

Cubs turn slick double play

William Contreras made hard contact but found second baseman Nico Hoerner’s glove. Hoerner fired to first to double off Jackson Chourio.

Ther Brewers still lead, 2-1.

Brewers take the lead again on Andrew Vaughn homer

The Milwaukee Brewers salvaged Andrew Vaughn’s career and now Vaughn is hoping to pay them back by salvaging their season. 

Vaughn broke a fourth-inning 1-1 tie with a solo home run to left field off Colin Rea’s hanging slider, his second big homer in this NLDS. 

His three-run homer erased a three-run deficit in Game 2, and now the Brewers will nurse a 2-1 lead into the fifth inning in Milwaukee. 

Vaughn was acquired in trade from the Chicago White Sox this season, revitalizing a career that saw him make a trip to the minor leagues this season. 

Score update: Cubs 1, Brewers 1 after three

After the early power show, matters have settled down at American Family Field. 

The Brewers and Cubs remain tied 1-1 through three innings in their decisive NLDS Game 5. 

The Cubs opted for Colin Rea as the second man in their bullpen relay, and he’s been nearly perfect, giving up one hit in two innings. Meanwhile, Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski has calmed the heart rate after giving up a homer to Seiya Suzuki, the first batter he faced, in the second inning. 

He’s given up two more hits but no more runs, and now the intrigue is how long Brewers manager Pat Murphy may stick with his prized rookie. 

Seiya Suzuki ties game with homer off Brewers star rookie

The Milwaukee Brewers won the battle of the openers, but the Chicago Cubs battled back with a quick strike against the Brew Crew’s rookie superstar.

William Contreras hit a two-out solo home run off Drew Pomeranz and the Brewers handed 6-foot-8 rookie Jacob Misiorowski a 1-0 lead. But it didn’t even last one batter, as Seiya Suzuki took a Misiorowski pitch and drove it over the wall in right center field. 

That was a jolt for the Brewers, who in Game 2 got three scoreless relief innings from Misiorowski, the winning pitcher. 

But The Miz settled down and retired the side as the clubs remained tied 1-1 entering the bottom of the second. 

Brewers strike first on William Contreras home run

It’s 1-0 for the home team after one inning after Contreras went yard off Drew Pomeranz on a 3-2 count with two outs.

That’s got to feel good for the Brewers after they were shut out in Game 4.

Trevor Megill fired up after retiring side in first

Megill retired the first three Cubs batters in order, the final coming via a strikeout of Kyle Tucker. The Brewers’ starter was fired up after that, to say the least.

Incredibly, Game 5 is the first game of the series that the Brewers didn’t yield runs in the first inning.

What time is Cubs vs Brewers game?

First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET at American Family Field in Milwaukee.

Where to watch Cubs vs Brewers Game 5: TV channel, live stream

Saturday’s game will air on TBS and HBO Max and can be streamed with Sling TV.

Watch Cubs vs Brewers Game 5 on Sling TV

Cubs vs Brewers odds

Cubs vs Brewers NLDS Game 5 predictions

BetMGM: Brewers will win

Staff writes: Based on recent trends the model predicts the Brewers will win Saturday‘s MLB game with 55.8% confidence, factoring in game simulations, recent player performances, starting pitchers and injuries.’

Draftkings: Brewers

Zach Thompson writes: ‘The Brewers took the first two games of the series convincingly, 9-3 and 7-3. The Cubs definitely got a big boost from playing at Wrigley Field, but back in Milwaukee, the Brewers should be able to get back in the win column. They’re much more familiar with bullpen games, and Misiorowski is a huge piece of their plan that gives them a significant advantage.’

Sports Illustrated: Brewers

Ryan Gilbert writes: ‘Home-field advantage has held strong in this series with both the Brewers and Cubs winning two games at their home ballparks. We’re back in Milwaukee for Game 5, and it’s hard to see the Brewers losing this one at home. The Brewers went 52-29 at home this season while the Cubs were just 42-39 on the road. Chicago did take two of three in Milwaukee way back in May, but the Brewers have now won four of the last five meetings, including the playoffs, at home.’

Chicago Cubs starting lineup vs Brewers

Milwaukee Brewers lineup vs Chicago Cubs

Cubs, Brewers starting pitchers

Drew Pomeranz and Trevor Megill are starting pitchers in name only for Game 5 of the National League Division Series, as the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers deploy “openers” in the winner-take-all game at American Family Field.

And that means the spotlight should soon switch to Brewers rookie flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski.

The instant All-Star pitched three shutout innings to earn the win in Game 2, reaching 104 mph on the radar gun and topping at least 100 mph 31 times in his relatively short stint. Misiorowski has had a full four days of rest and should be ready to roll.

How the Brewers get to The Miz remains a fluid equation in relief of Megill.

“It’s kind of like an equation. If so-and-so needs to be rescued, this is the best rescue guy there in this pocket,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said in his news conference before Game 5. “If he gets through it, here’s the best guy to open the second, based on where we ended. And then you play it out from there.”

For the Cubs, lefty Shota Imanaga is on turn, after getting lit up for four runs in just 2⅔ innings of Game 2. As we saw in Game 5 of the AL Division Series, all hands will be on the proverbial deck for both teams.