When Milwaukee Brewers clinched a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the win snapped the Brewers’ six‑year streak of postseason series losses and sent them straight to the National League Championship Series.
The decisive showdown took place at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before a packed crowd of 42,743 fans. It was the final game of the National League Division Series – Game 5Milwaukee, a winner‑take‑all that decided which club would move on.
Game Overview: How the Brewers Took Control
Chicago started strong, loading the bases in the second inning, but a misplayed ball ended the threat without a run. Momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth when William Contreras launched a solo homer to put Milwaukee ahead 1‑0. The Cubs answered back two innings later, narrowing the gap, yet they never regained the lead.
Late in the seventh, Andrew Vaughn delivered a go‑ahead solo shot, extending the Brewers’ advantage to 2‑1. The final nail in the coffin came in the ninth when Brice Turang added an insurance home run, sealing the 3‑1 final.
Five Brewers pitchers combined for the 27 outs, showcasing a depth that had troubled the Cubs throughout the series. The relievers kept Chicago’s offense at bay, limiting them to just one run on ten hits.
Key Performers and Statistics
- Brewers’ scoring: Contreras (1 HR, 1 RBI), Vaughn (1 HR, 1 RBI), Turang (1 HR, 1 RBI).
- Cubs’ lone run came from a solo shot by Ian Happ in the fifth inning.
- Pitching line: Brewers combined for a 2.43 ERA over the series; Cubs posted a 4.15 ERA.
- Attendance: 42,743 – the highest crowd for a postseason game at American Family Field.
- Series record: Brewers win 3‑2; Cubs fall short after forcing a comeback in Games 3 and 4.
Reactions from the Dugout
“It hurts,” said Craig Counsell, Cubs manager and former Brewer, after the final out. “We fought hard in Games 3 and 4 at Wrigley, but Milwaukee found a way to close it out. We’ll take the positives and build from here.”
Brewers’ manager Craig Counsell (yes, the same name – a former Brewers skipper now on the other side) praised his staff: “Our bullpen delivered when it mattered. Credit to the guys who kept the pressure on Chicago all night.”
What This Means for the Rest of the Postseason
Milwaukee now faces the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, a matchup that pits the Brewers’ gritty, small‑ball approach against the Dodgers’ power‑laden lineup. The NLCS kicks off on Monday at American Family Field, with Game 1 slated for 7:08 p.m. CT.
For Chicago, the loss ends a season that began with high hopes after a mid‑season trade that brought veteran pitcher Kyle Hendricks back to Wrigley. The Cubs will now turn their attention to the offseason, where free‑agent decisions and the upcoming draft could reshape the roster.
Historical Context: Brewers Break a Six‑Year Postseason Drought
Before this series, the Brewers had lost six straight postseason series dating back to their 2018 NLCS appearance. That streak was the longest active series‑loss run in MLB. By winning Game 5, Milwaukee not only advanced but also erased that blemish, giving the franchise its first NLCS berth since 2018.
The victory also marks the first time the Brewers have won a winner‑take‑all Game 5 on the road since the wild‑card era began in 1995. The home crowd’s energy, evidenced by the roaring chants after each homer, seemed to fuel the pitching staff’s composure.
Looking Ahead: What Fans Should Watch For
One storyline to watch is whether the Brewers can sustain their bullpen depth against the Dodgers’ heavy hitters like Mookie Betts and Cody Bellinger. Another angle is the Cubs’ off‑season moves – will they pursue a high‑impact left‑hander to bolster their rotation?
Lastly, the city of Milwaukee will likely see a surge in merchandise sales, with fans already sporting “We’re Going to the NLCS” T‑shirts. The team’s social media engagement jumped 37 % after the win, indicating a rejuvenated fanbase hungry for another championship run.
Key Facts
- Result: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
- NLDS Outcome: Brewers advance to NLCS vs. Dodgers
- Attendance: 42,743
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Brewers break their six‑year postseason series‑loss streak?
Milwaukee combined timely hitting – three solo homers from Contreras, Vaughn and Turang – with a five‑pitcher bullpen that kept Chicago’s offense below its regular‑season average. The win ended a run of six straight series defeats dating back to 2018, restoring confidence in the franchise.
What are the Dodgers likely to bring to the NLCS against the Brewers?
The Dodgers enter with a potent offense led by Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger and Freddie Freeman. Expect them to test Milwaukee’s bullpen depth, especially in the middle innings, while looking to exploit any defensive lapses at American Family Field.
Which Cubs players stood out despite the loss?
Ian Happ’s solo home run provided the Cubs’ only run, and pitcher Zach Davies delivered a gritty six‑scoreless‑hit effort before the bullpen yielded the go‑ahead runs. Their resilience in Games 3 and 4 also highlighted the team’s fighting spirit.
What does this result mean for Chicago’s offseason strategy?
The Cubs will likely prioritize adding a dominant left‑handed starter and bolstering their bullpen, areas exposed in the series. Free‑agent interest in Kyle Hendricks and a possible trade for a power bat could shape their next‑season roster.
When does the NLCS begin and where will Game 1 be played?
Game 1 of the National League Championship Series kicks off on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. CT at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
