Brewers Edge Cubs 3-1 in Game 5, Snap Drought, Advance to NLCS
Oct, 12 2025
When Milwaukee Brewers clinched a 3‑1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, the stadium erupted like a fireworks show on the Fourth of July.
The drama unfolded during 2025 National League Division Series Game 5American Family Field at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before a packed crowd of 42,743 fans.
Series Overview: From 2‑0 Lead to a Sudden Death Showdown
The Brewers entered the NLDS as the National League’s top seed, slamming the Cubs 8‑2 in Game 1 and 5‑1 in Game 2 at home. Chicago answered back with two nail‑biting victories at Wrigley Field, forcing a decisive Game 5 back in Milwaukee.
What made this matchup extra spicy? Patrick Murphy, manager of the Brewers, was squaring off against his former protégé, Craig Counsell, who had helmed Milwaukee from 2015‑2021 before jumping to the Cubs.
Game 5 Breakdown: How the Brewers Turned the Tide
Right off the bat, the Cubs tried to set the tone. First‑baseman Michael Busch opened the game with a shallow fly that Sal Frelick nailed for the first out.
But then the Brewers answered. In the second inning, William Contreras launched a solo homer that put Milwaukee ahead. The crowd’s roar was something you could feel in your chest.
A few innings later, Andrew Vaughn followed suit with another go‑ahead blast, making it a 2‑0 lead. The Cubs finally got on the board in the fifth when Michael Busch finally connected, but the Brewers’ insurance run came from Brice Turang, whose third‑inning homer padded the score to 3‑1.
Five Brewers arms combined for the final 27 outs, including a surprise early‑innings appearance by Trevor Megill straight from the bullpen, a move that underscored Patrick Murphy’s confidence in his left‑handed options against Busch’s power.
Key Performances and Stat Highlights
- Contreras, Vaughn, and Turang each delivered a go‑ahead solo home run – a rare trifecta in a winner‑take‑all game.
- Jackson Chourio went 7‑for‑15 over the series, showcasing why he’s the talk of the league.
- The Brewers’ bullpen struck out 12 batters, while the Cubs managed just five.
- Milwaukee’s defense turned two potential doubles into outs, most notably a misplay by Cubs’ infielder Caleb Duran that halted a rally.
Managerial Chess Match: Murphy vs. Counsell
Both 60‑year‑plus veterans brought decades of experience to the dugout. Murphy, 66, leaned heavily on left‑handed relievers to neutralize Busch, who had belted three lead‑off homers earlier in the postseason. Counsell, 55, tried to keep his lineup static, hoping familiarity would spark the offense.
In hindsight, the decision to send Trevor Megill in the first inning was the turning point. It forced the Cubs to chase a pitch they weren’t ready for, and the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
What This Means for the NLCS
Advancing past the Cubs ends a six‑year run of NLDS failures for the Brewers – a streak that began with a Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 NLCS. Now, they’ll face that same Dodgers team in the National League Championship Series.
Game 1 of the NLCS is slated for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. Central Time, once again at American Family Field. The Brewers will be riding a wave of confidence, while the Dodgers will look to avenge their 2018 loss.
For the Cubs, the loss caps a season that many analysts called “so much promise.” General manager Carter Hawkins now faces questions about the roster’s composition, especially after two consecutive NLDS exits.
Historical Context: The Interstate‑94 Rivalry
This was the first postseason meeting between the “I‑94 rivals,” teams situated roughly 90 miles apart along the highway linking Milwaukee and Chicago. The rivalry has always been fierce on the regular season, but the high‑stakes setting gave it a new level of intensity.
Both clubs have swapped managers and players over the past decade, making the series feel like a family feud aired on a national stage.
Looking Ahead: Questions for the Next Round
Will Murphy’s left‑handed bullpen strategy hold up against the Dodgers’ deep rotation? Can the Brewers’ offense keep the momentum alive without the spark of Contreras’ and Vaughn’s homers? And how will the Cubs regroup after a heartbreaking finish?
One thing’s clear: the NLCS promises drama, and fans on both sides are already gearing up for a showdown that could define the rest of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers’ win affect their chances against the Dodgers?
The victory not only ends a six‑year postseason slide but also gives Milwaukee momentum and confidence in its left‑handed bullpen – a factor the Dodgers will have to prepare for. Statistically, the Brewers have held opposing left‑handed batters to a .215 average this postseason, which could be pivotal against a Dodgers lineup that leans right‑handed.
What were the key managerial moves that decided Game 5?
Murphy’s early‑innings deployment of left‑handed reliever Trevor Megill caught the Cubs off‑balance, while Counsell’s decision to stick with the same batting order limited strategic flexibility. The contrast in bullpen usage was the decisive factor.
Which player’s performance stood out the most?
While all three homer hitters were crucial, Brice Turang’s insurance run was especially impactful because it steadied the Brewers after the Cubs threatened a comeback in the fifth inning.
What does the loss mean for the Cubs’ front office?
General manager Carter Hawkins now faces pressure to address the team’s inability to close out tight games, especially after two straight NLDS exits. Analysts suggest a focus on bullpen depth and defensive consistency.
When and where is the NLCS Game 1?
NLCS Game 1 kicks off on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. Central Time at American Family Field in Milwaukee.