Brewers stun Cubs 3-1 in NLDS Game 5, advance to NLCS

When Milwaukee Brewers held off the Chicago Cubs 3–1 on NLDS Game 5Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the postseason drama that had built up over a month finally snapped. The win sends the Brewers to the National League Championship Series, where they’ll meet the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 13 at Dodger Stadium. For the Cubs, it marks the end of a 94‑68 regular‑season campaign that delivered a Central division crown but ultimately fell short in the clutch.

Game Recap: How the Brewers Secured the Win

The contest began at American Family Field under a bright October sky. Early on, Milwaukee’s starter Corbin Burnes kept the Cubs off balance, limiting Chicago to a solitary run in the third inning. The Brewers answered in the fourth with a two‑run single by Freddy Peralta, who was later summoned from the bullpen to close out the game. By the sixth, the scoreboard read 2‑1, and the tension rose.

In the eighth, Pat Murphy, the 65‑year‑old manager, brought in reliever Chad "Devin" Williams to face Chicago’s surge. A quick strikeout of Terrance Tucker set the tone, and a ground‑out double play sealed the inning. The ninth saw the Brewers hold the lead, with a clean fielding effort by shortstop Luis Ortiz on the final out.

Key Moments and Tactical Decisions

• Burnes’ six innings of two‑hit, one‑run baseball kept Chicago’s offense at bay.
• Pat Murphy’s early bullpen call – bringing Williams in for a high‑leverage at‑bat – proved decisive.
• Cubs manager Craig Counsell, Cubs manager stuck with left‑handed reliever Joe Van despite unfavorable matchups, a decision that drew criticism after a strikeout of Ian Happ left two runners on base.
• Seiya Suzuki’s early homer gave the Cubs a glimmer of hope, but a fly‑out in the eighth erased that momentum.

Offensive Woes: Cubs’ Struggles with RISP

The numbers tell a bleak story. Chicago finished the postseason a dismal 5‑for‑40 (.125) with runners in scoring position, matching their regular‑season slump in high‑leverage spots. In Game 5, the Cubs managed just four hits, and only one—by Michael Busch—reached second base with a runner on first. That lone runner never crossed home.

Analysts on Marquee Sports Network, notably Cole Wright and Cliff Floyd, pointed to a combination of over‑aggressive swing decisions and a lack of patience against quality relievers. "When you see a pitcher like Williams coming in, you have to sit on the fastball and work the count," Wright said during the post‑game broadcast. Floyd added, "The Cubs simply didn’t make the contact needed to drive in runs when it mattered most."

Historically, the Cubs have struggled in NLDS games that go the distance. This was the first time since 1999 that they fell in a decisive Game 5, and the .125 RISP mark is the lowest for any team in a five‑game series since the 2004 season.

Reactions from Managers and Analysts

After the final out, Pat Murphy smiled, "We stuck to our plan, trusted our arms, and the guys delivered. It’s a great feeling to bring the NLCS home for our fans."

Craig Counsell, visibly disappointed, delivered his pre‑game optimism in a post‑game press conference: "We fought until the last pitch. I’m proud of the guys. It hurts, but we’ll take this experience into next year and build on it."

Beyond the dugout, the broader baseball community weighed in. Former pitcher Kris Benson commented on Twitter that the Brewers' bullpen depth has become one of the most formidable in the league, while former Cubs star Ryan Klesko lamented the Cubs' inability to adjust mid‑game, noting that "they were stuck in a rhythm that didn’t work against elite pitching."

What This Means for the NLCS and Beyond

The Brewers now face a Dodgers squad that swept the San Diego Padres in their NLDS. Milwaukee’s pitching staff, bolstered by Burnes and Peralta, will need to match the Dodgers’ powerful lineup featuring Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani. If the Brewers can replicate their bullpen efficiency, they stand a respectable chance of pulling off an upset.

For Chicago, the offseason will likely revolve around addressing the RISP deficiency. Rumors already swirl around potential trade targets for a high‑average contact hitter, and the front office is expected to consider a manager‑level review of in‑game tactical decisions.

• Key Facts:
• Final Score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
• Date: October 11, 2025
• Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
• Series Result: Brewers win series 3‑2
• Next Opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers in NLCS