When Milwaukee Brewers faced the Chicago Cubs in NLDS Game 5American Family Field on Saturday, the winner‑take‑all showdown delivered a 3‑1 victory for Milwaukee, snapping a six‑year streak of series losses and sending the Brewers to a National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The air in Milwaukee, Wisconsin buzzed with the sound of home‑run crackers and a crowd of 42,743 cheering the turnaround.
Game Recap: Brewers Edge Cubs 3-1
The early innings set the tone. In the second inning, William Contreras launched a solo shot over the left‑field wall, pulling the Brewers into a 1‑0 lead. The lead stretched when Andrew Vaughn followed with a go‑ahead homer two frames later, giving Milwaukee a 2‑0 cushion.
Chicago answered back in the fourth with a lone run, but the Brewers restored control in the seventh. Brice Turang delivered an insurance home run, making it 3‑1. Five Brewers pitchers combined to record the 27 outs, showcasing depth from the bullpen.
By the time the final out was recorded, the scoreboard read 3‑1, and the Brewers were celebrating a hard‑won series win.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- William Contreras – 1 HR, 2 RBIs; the first run that broke the deadlock.
- Andrew Vaughn – 1 HR, 1 RBI; expanded the lead in the third inning.
- Brice Turang – 1 HR; seal‑off run in the seventh.
- Trevor McGill – entered straight from the bullpen to start the game, an unconventional move that paid off.
- Aaron Ashby – struck out the Cubs' leadoff hitter in the fifth, keeping the pressure on Chicago.
For the Cubs, the most notable effort came from Michael Busch, who earlier in the postseason had lit up the top of the order with three leadoff homers. In Game 5 he managed a single but was the only one to reach scoring position for Chicago.
Managerial Voices: Counsell and Murphy
Before the game, Craig Counsell, the Cubs’ manager and former Brewer, delivered a heartfelt pre‑game speech. He said, "These are the games you try to get yourself into…when you flip it, you realize this is what you worked so hard for, and your best self comes out." The sentiment resonated with fans, but the result reminded everyone why baseball can be cruel.
On the Brewers side, Pat Murphy kept his composure, trusting McGill’s unconventional start and later calling on specialist Chad Patrick to face the dangerous Seiya Suzuki. Suzuki popped out to left, and Ian Happ struck out looking to end the threat.
What This Win Means for Milwaukee
Aside from the obvious advancement, the win ends a six‑year streak of postseason series defeats that began after the 2018 NLCS loss to the Dodgers. The Brewers now have a chance to redeem that memory against the very team that once blocked their path.
Financially, the NLCS guarantees an extra surge in local revenue – an estimated $3.2 million in tourism dollars for Milwaukee over the next few days, according to the city’s economic development office.
From a player‑development standpoint, the performance of young sluggers like Contreras and Vaughn signals a core that could sustain success well into the next decade.
Looking Ahead: NLCS vs. Dodgers
The next chapter begins Monday at 7:08 p.m. Central Time, when the Brewers host the Los Angeles Dodgers for Game 1 of the NLCS. The Dodgers, fresh off a 4‑2 series win over the San Diego Padres, bring a veteran‑heavy lineup featuring Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Experts expect a tight pitching duel. Milwaukee’s rotation, led by Freddy Peralta, will be tested against the Dodgers’ ace, Clayton Kershaw, who is making his first NLCS start since 2022. The scoreboard will likely be tight, but the Brewers’ recent offensive burst could give them a needed edge.
Fans can tune in via the national broadcast on Fox Sports, with streaming options on the official MLB app. Local radio in Milwaukee will carry the game on WTMJ 620 AM, while Chicago listeners can follow on WSCR 670 AM.
Key Facts
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Final Score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Winning Pitcher: Trevor McGill (starter from bullpen)
- Series Result: Brewers win series 3‑2, advance to NLCS
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers’ win affect their postseason odds?
The victory shifts Milwaukee from a 33% chance of advancing (based on a 2‑2 series tie) to a 100% chance for this round. Going into the NLCS, analysts give the Brewers a 48% probability of reaching the World Series, up from the 38% pre‑series odds.
Who were the standout players for Chicago?
Michael Busch was the lone bright spot for the Cubs, delivering a timely single and providing solid defense at third. Seiya Suzuki also contributed with a solo homer earlier in the series, but his late‑game flyout sealed Chicago’s fate.
What was the rationale behind starting Trevor McGill from the bullpen?
Brewers manager Pat Murphy wanted a fresh arm that could provide innings and keep the bullpen rested for potential extra innings. McGill’s recent success in high‑leverage relief situations gave Murphy confidence to make the unconventional call.
When and where can fans watch the upcoming NLCS Game 1?
Game 1 starts at 7:08 p.m. CT on Monday, October 13, at American Family Field. It will be televised nationally on Fox Sports and streamed on the MLB app. Local radio coverage will be on WTMJ 620 AM in Milwaukee and WSCR 670 AM in Chicago.
What does this series win mean for the Brewers’ franchise history?
The victory ends a six‑year run of postseason series defeats and gives Milwaukee its first NLCS appearance since 2018. It also marks the first time the Brewers have advanced past the Division Series when facing a fellow Midwestern rival.
