Brewers Deploy All-Star Closer Trevor Megill as Opener to Beat Cubs
When Trevor Megill, the All-Star closer for the Milwaukee Brewers, took the mound as an opener on , the baseball world sat up straight. The move happened during Game 5 of the National League Division Series at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, and it paid off in a way few expected.
Background to the 2019 NLDS
The Brewers entered the postseason as the NL Central champions, finishing the regular season 96‑67. Their rival, the Chicago Cubs, grabbed a Wild Card berth with a 95‑68 record. Both clubs had already met 21 times in the division since Milwaukee’s 1998 switch to the National League, fueling a rivalry that’s as much about geography as it is about bragging rights.
Historically, the NLDS follows a best‑of‑five format, meaning the fifth game is a do‑or‑die showdown. In 2019, the Brewers were down 2‑1 after three games, while the Cubs had taken a 2‑0 lead in the first two contests. The series was hanging by a thread, and manager Craig Counsell had a decision to make: stick with the traditional closer‑late‑innings formula, or try something daring.
The Surprise Opener Strategy
Against the backdrop of a high‑stakes elimination game, Counsell chose to start Megill in the first inning – a role usually reserved for starters or a middle reliever. The plan, according to post‑game interviews, was simple: "Get a top‑level arm to set the tone and prevent the Cubs from getting early momentum," Counsell explained.
At 25, Megill had already earned All‑Star honors for a season that featured a 2.43 ERA and 84 strikeouts over 69⅔ innings. Using him as an opener was a gamble, but the Brewers’ analytics staff argued that his right‑handed fastball‑slider combo could neutralize the Cubs’ left‑handed heavy lineup in the opening frame.
Game 5 in Detail
- 1st inning: Megill retired the side in order, striking out Javier Báez and inducing groundouts from Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.
- 2nd–4th innings: The bullpen, now featuring Jhoan Alcántara and Jordan Lyle, kept the Cubs off the scoreboard.
- 5th–9th innings: A combination of defensive brilliance and timely hitting – notably a two‑run single by Eric Thames – built a 3‑0 lead that never evaporated.
The final box score read 3‑0, sending the Brewers to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2018. Megill’s opening performance earned him a perfect first‑inning line, and the decision to pull him after just one frame sparked endless debate on the future of bullpen usage in the postseason.
Reactions from Managers and Players
Counsell later told reporters, "We trusted Trevor’s stuff and our guys down the line. It’s about winning, not about tradition." Cubs manager Joe Maddon
In the locker room, the mood turned celebratory when the Brewers posed with a white flag featuring a blue "L" – a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the Cubs’ famed "W" flag. Megill grabbed the flag, prompting a wave of laughter and a flurry of social‑media posts that captured the moment as "the L flag stunt." Sports Illustrated described it as "just another chapter in an intense rivalry that's only getting spicier."
Impact on the Brewers' Postseason Run
The win set up a NLCS showdown against either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Washington Nationals, depending on the outcome of the other NLDS. The Brewers carried the momentum into the next series, ultimately falling short of a World Series berth but demonstrating that unconventional pitching tactics can reshape playoff narratives.
Analysts still cite the Megill opener as a case study for flexible bullpen deployment. Some argue the move was a one‑off born of necessity, while others see it as a blueprint for future teams willing to blur the lines between starter and reliever roles.
Historical Note on Brewers‑Cubs Rivalry
Since the Brewers’ move to the NL in 1998, the two clubs have squared off over 300 times. The 2019 NLDS added another dramatic layer, reminding fans that divisional foes can produce championship‑level drama. Back in 1982, the Brewers won their first NL pennant, and that historical success still looms large when the club reaches the playoffs.
By breaking away from conventional late‑inning closer usage, the Brewers not only advanced but also sparked a broader conversation about how postseason managers can adapt under pressure. Whether this strategy becomes mainstream or remains a footnote depends on how future teams interpret the risk‑reward balance that Counsell and Megill navigated on that October night.
Key Facts
- Date of game:
- Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
- Final score: Brewers 3, Cubs 0
- Opening pitcher: Trevor Megill
- Manager who made the call: Craig Counsell
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Brewers use their closer as an opener?
Manager Craig Counsell wanted to seize early momentum against a potent Cubs lineup. Megill’s dominant first‑inning performance shut down Chicago’s hitters, allowing the Brewers’ bullpen to protect a lead without the pressure of a late‑inning save situation.
How did the "L" flag become part of the celebration?
After the 3‑0 win, the Brewers held a team photo with a white flag bearing a blue "L" – a tongue‑in‑cheek reversal of the Cubs’ traditional white "W" flag. Trevor Megill grabbed the flag, turning it into a viral moment that highlighted the rivalry’s playful side.
What was the immediate impact on the NLCS matchup?
The victory propelled Milwaukee into the National League Championship Series, where they faced the winner of the Dodgers‑Nationals NLDS. The momentum from the unconventional opener gave the Brewers confidence, though they eventually fell short of the World Series.
Has any other team used a closer as an opener in the playoffs?
While bullpen flexibility has grown, the 2019 Brewers remain one of the few postseason teams to start an All‑Star closer in the first inning. The move sparked discussions among analysts, but similar strategies have remained rare due to the high stakes of playoff baseball.
What does this game mean for the Brewers‑Cubs rivalry?
The dramatic NLDS win added a new chapter to a rivalry that dates back to Milwaukee’s league switch in 1998. Fans on both sides remember the game for its bold tactics and the symbolic L‑flag, reinforcing the intensity of future matchups.