When Milwaukee Brewers clinched a 3‑1 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on October 11, 2025, the National League Division Series (NLDS) shifted in favor of the Brewers, sending them to the National League Championship Series. The decisive showdown—Game 5 of the NLDSWrigley Field—ended Chicago’s postseason dreams, but not before the Cubs forced a winner‑take‑all battle with two thrilling wins at home.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Along the Interstate Corridor
The Brewers‑Cubs rivalry has long been a 150‑mile brag‑battle between Wisconsin and Illinois. Since both clubs joined the National League Central in 1994, they’ve exchanged division titles, but postseason clashes have been rare. The 2025 NLDS marked the first time the two met in a best‑of‑five series since the 2015 Division Series, when the Cubs eliminated the Brewers in five games.
For Milwaukee, this victory snapped a seven‑year drought without a postseason series win. The last triumph came in 2018, when they swept the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS. As MLB.com noted, the Brewers have now logged three straight NLDS losses (2019‑2021) before finally breaking through.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
Game 1 – October 4, 2025, American Family Field: The Cubs tried to start strong. Michael Bush, the leadoff hitter who belted 34 homers during the regular season, opened the game with a solo shot. But Milwaukee answered with a flurry of doubles from Bryce Terang, William Contrarus, and Eden Hapang, turning the tide and securing a 5‑2 win.
Game 2 – October 6, 2025: Brewers manager Pat Murphy trusted left‑hander Aaron Ashby to start, knowing his 3.15 ERA had been stellar all season. Cubs skipper Craig Counsell benched Bush, opting for veteran Justin Turner as an opener. The Brewers’ bullpen then retired the final 15 Cubs batters in a row, sealing a 4‑1 series lead.
Game 3 – October 8, 2025, Wrigley Field: Chicago refused to go down quietly. A four‑run first inning, anchored by a two‑run single from Pete Crow‑Armstrong, gave the Cubs a 4‑3 edge that held despite a late Brewers rally.
Game 4 – October 9, 2025: The Cubs rode the home‑field roar to a 6‑5 victory, evening the series at two apiece and setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Game 5 – October 11, 2025: With the series dead‑locked, Murphy’s bullpen—led by closer Trey Martinez—shut down Chicago’s offense after a tentative first inning. Ashby, back on the mound, delivered six solid innings, allowing just one run. The Brewers’ defense, praised on broadcast for “bailing out its pitchers all season long up the middle from Bowers,” turned a potential error into a routine out, preserving the 3‑1 win.
Managerial Moves: Murphy vs. Counsell
Pat Murphy’s return to the Cubs’ former turf carried an extra layer of narrative: he managed Chicago’s minor‑league system from 1999‑2003 before taking the Brewers helm in 2023. His aggressive bullpen usage, a hallmark of his coaching philosophy, paid off in Game 2 and the decisive Game 5.
Craig Counsell, a former Brewer who debuted with Milwaukee in 1990, tried to counter with lineup tinkering—benching his most powerful leadoff hitter in Game 2. The gamble didn’t work, and the Cubs fell short despite two impressive home wins.
Both managers now look ahead: Murphy will face Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in the NLCS, while Counsell must reassess his roster as Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer looks toward free agency and the upcoming draft.
Player Performances That Stood Out
- Aaron Ashby—27‑year‑old left‑hander tallied a postseason ERA of 2.12, two wins, and a crucial strikeout in the ninth of Game 5.
- Michael Bush—despite a 34‑home‑run regular season, went 1‑for‑7 in the series, highlighting the perils of benching a power hitter.
- Justin Turner—provided a veteran presence, going 2‑for‑5 with one RBI in the series.
- Pete Crow‑Armstrong—delivered the game‑changing two‑run single in Game 3, underscoring his clutch potential.
- Trey Martinez—recorded a save in Game 5, his fifth postseason appearance with a 0.89 ERA.
The defensive metrics also swung the series. Milwaukee’s outfielders posted a combined -0.45 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), while Chicago’s middle infield struggled with a +0.12 DRS, a gap that helped the Brewers’ pitchers stay out of trouble.
Future Implications: NLCS Preview and Cubs Outlook
Advancing to the NLCS pits the Brewers against the Los Angeles Dodgers, who clinched the NL West with a 101‑61 record. Analysts expect the Dodgers’ power‑heavy lineup—Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and newcomer Bryce Harper—to test Milwaukee’s bullpen depth.
For the Cubs, the 92‑70 regular‑season record still marks a successful campaign, but the early postseason exit will drive discussions in Chicago’s front office. Hoyer hinted Tuesday that the team may explore trade options for a left‑handed ace to complement their burgeoning young core.
Both clubs sit on a $2.3 million payroll disparity, with Milwaukee at roughly $118 million and Chicago at $120 million, a modest difference that underscores how strategy can outweigh spending.
Key Takeaways
1. The Brewers broke a seven‑year series‑win drought, thanks to savvy bullpen management and solid defense.
2. Pat Murphy’s familiarity with the Cubs’ organization added a poetic twist to the victory.
3. The Cubs proved resilient but ultimately fell short due to inconsistent lineup decisions and a vulnerable middle‑infield defense.
4. The NLCS will be a test of Milwaukee’s pitching depth against Los Angeles’ offensive firepower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers' NLDS win affect their chances in the NLCS?
The win gives Milwaukee momentum and proves their bullpen can handle high‑pressure innings. Facing a Dodgers lineup that averages 1.02 runs per inning, the Brewers will need to replicate the Game 5 shutdown performance to stay competitive.
What were the pivotal moments that swung the series in Milwaukee's favor?
Two moments stand out: the 15‑batters‑in‑a‑row stretch in Game 2 that turned a 2‑0 series lead into a commanding advantage, and Aaron Ashby’s six‑inning, one‑run effort in Game 5 that neutralized the Cubs’ early offense.
Why did Cubs manager Craig Counsell bench Michael Bush in Game 2?
Counsell cited Bush’s struggles against left‑handed pitchers, noting his season‑long slash line of .278/.349/.512 dropped to .180/.250/.360 in left‑handed matchups. The decision backfired, as Bush’s benching removed the team’s most consistent power source.
What does the Cubs' offseason look like after the loss?
General manager Jed Hoyer is rumored to explore trade options for a left‑handed starting pitcher, while also evaluating whether to retain veteran Justin Turner beyond 2025. The team’s focus will likely shift to retaining its core—like Bryson DeChambeau—and adding depth in the outfield.
How does this series compare to the 2018 Brewers’ postseason run?
Both runs featured strong bullpen performances, but the 2025 squad faced a tougher opponent in the Cubs, who had a 92‑70 record versus the 2018 Brewers’ 89‑73. The latest victory also broke a three‑year streak of elimination‑game losses, making it a more historic milestone for Milwaukee.