On Saturday night, October 11, 2025, the Milwaukee Brewers edged out the Chicago Cubs 3‑1 in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, sending the winning club to the NLCS and ending Chicago’s postseason hopes. The drama unfolded at American Family Field before a roar‑filled crowd of 42,743. Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who directed the Brewers from 2015‑2023, watched his former club celebrate on the very turf where he once called the shots.
Series Overview
The NLDS between the two Midwestern rivals resembled a see‑saw. Milwaukee, bolstered by a 97‑win season, took the first two games at home with early‑inning explosions, only to watch Chicago storm back with wins at Wrigley Field that forced a decisive Game 5 back in Wisconsin. The Cubs had trekked through a grueling Wild Card round against the San Diego Padres, a path the Brewers avoided thanks to their league‑best record. Yet despite a regular‑season gap of five games, Chicago’s offense—ranked among the top three in runs created during the first half—couldn’t crack the Brewers’ revamped pitching staff when it mattered most.
Game 5 Recap
Milwaukee struck first in the bottom of the second inning when William Contreras launched a solo shot to left‑center, a clear answer to the Cubs’ early pressure. The Brewers never looked back. In the fourth, Andrew Vaughn followed with a two‑out homer that pushed the lead to 2‑0. The final blow came in the seventh; Brice Turang added a solo blast, cementing a 3‑0 advantage. Chicago’s only run arrived on an insurance single by Miles Mikkelsen Busch, who raced home on a wild pitch. The Cubs managed just four hits total, a stark contrast to the Brewers’ 12‑hit barrage.
Key Performers
The night belonged to Milwaukee’s depth. Five pitchers—starter Corbin Burnes, relievers Charlie Tilson, Nik Turley, Jacob Barnes, and closer Josh Hader combined for 27 outs without a run after the second inning. Their collective ERA for the game sat at 0.00, a striking reversal of the bullpen woes that haunted Milwaukee in previous postseason outings.
On the offensive side, Contreras, Vaughn, and Turang each belted a home run, supplying the insurance runs the Brewers needed after a sluggish first two games. Their swings reflected a timely adjustment: a higher launch angle and a focus on hitting the opposite‑field gaps, a tweak introduced by hitting coach Mike Gallo during the series.
Managerial Angles
Counsell’s dual‑role narrative added a layer of intrigue. The former Brewers skipper, who guided Milwaukee to three straight NL Central titles, now faces the reality that his own tactical decisions—particularly the decision to start rookie right‑hander Brandon Anderson—didn’t pay off. Meanwhile, Brewers’ interim pitching coach Chris Hook orchestrated a game plan that emphasized aggressive fast‑ball usage up in the zone, a strategy that stymied Chicago’s power hitters.
Chicago’s front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and General Manager Carter Hawkins, now faces a post‑season audit. The acquisition of outfielder Kyle Tucker in the winter market was meant to inject speed and defensive range, yet his 0‑for‑4 showing in the finale has sparked early calls for a reassessment of his role.
What the Loss Means for Chicago
The Cubs’ early‑season flash—an unprecedented 57‑25 record through 82 games—fed high expectations that ultimately fell short. Analysts point to an over‑reliance on mid‑season offensive production that faded in the high‑leverage moments of the playoffs. Hoyer has hinted that the club may explore a “target‑date” free‑agent market to shore up the rotation, while Hawkins is reportedly eyeing a trade for a left‑handed reliever to bolster late‑game depth.
Fans, still smart‑phone‑glued to Marquee Sports Network’s live feed, voiced a mix of frustration and optimism. “We built a team that could win 100 games. Losing to the Brewers hurts because they’re our rivals, but we know we’re close,” said longtime season ticket holder Mike Donovan. The sentiment reflects a belief that the franchise’s core—first baseman Ian Happ and pitcher Ben Brown—still has upside if the front office makes the right moves.
Brewers Ride to the NLCS
Advancing to the National League Championship Series, Milwaukee now faces the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that defeated them in the 2018 NLCS Game 7. The NLCS will kick off on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. Central Time, again at American Family Field. With a modest payroll yet a roster that has repeatedly out‑performed its financial ceiling, the Brewers view this matchup as a chance to finally break the postseason hex that has haunted the club since that 2018 collapse.
Spotlight will likely fall on Burnes, who enters the series with a 1.31 ERA in the playoffs, and on the bullpen’s revamped chemistry under Hook. If the Brewers can repeat their early‑inning firepower, the Dodgers—who rely heavily on a high‑octane offense—will need to find answers fast.
- Final Score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
- Key Home Runs: William Contreras, Andrew Vaughn, Brice Turang
- Series Result: Brewers win 3‑2, advance to NLCS vs. Dodgers
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Cubs' offseason plans?
The defeat forces Chicago to revisit its roster strategy. President Jed Hoyer has hinted at pursuing high‑impact free agents, while GM Carter Hawkins is expected to explore trades for left‑handed pitching depth. The front office will likely evaluate Kyle Tucker's fit, given his scoreless outing, before making any definitive moves.
What does the Brewers' victory mean for their postseason narrative?
Milwaukee finally snaps a six‑series postseason drought that began after the 2018 NLCS loss. Advancing to the NLCS validates the team’s low‑budget, high‑efficiency model and gives them a chance to exact revenge on the Dodgers, the very club that ended their 2018 run.
Why was Craig Counsell’s history with Milwaukee a storyline?
Counsell spent nine seasons managing the Brewers, guiding them to three straight division titles. Facing his former team in a winner‑take‑all game added personal drama, especially as his strategic choices—like the starting pitcher selection—were scrutinized against his past successes in Milwaukee.
Who were the standout pitchers for the Brewers in Game 5?
Corbin Burnes opened the game, setting the tone with six clean innings. Relievers Charlie Tilson, Nik Turley, Jacob Barnes and closer Josh Hader shut down Chicago’s lineup, combining for a flawless 0.00 ERA after the second inning.
When and where will the NLCS between the Brewers and Dodgers begin?
Game 1 of the National League Championship Series is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. Central Time, back at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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