When Milwaukee Brewers sealed a 3‑1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in National League Division Series Game 5Milwaukee, Wisconsin at American Family Field, the city’s skyline lit up with a mix of relief and disappointment. The win sent the Brewers to the National League Championship Series, where they’ll meet the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 12, while the Cubs packed up and headed home along I‑94, their season ending after a gritty comeback that fell just short.
Series Overview and Road to Game 5
The NLDS began on October 7, 2025, with the Brewers stealing Game 1 on the road. A 5‑4 walk‑off rally, fueled by a late‑inning home run from Caleb Duran, set the tone. Game 2 two days later saw the Cubs respond with a 6‑3 win, thanks to a clutch double by Seiya Suzuki. The series was tied 1‑1 heading to Chicago.
Back at Wrigley Field on October 10, the Cubs forced a decisive Game 5 with back‑to‑back victories. A ninth‑inning heroics by Nico Hoerner in Game 3 and an eight‑run outburst in Game 4 gave Chicago a 2‑2 edge and a palpable sense that they might pull off a historic comeback.
Game 5: Pitching Gambit and Key Moments
Instead of a traditional starter, Trevor McClain was summoned straight from the bullpen. The move shocked many analysts but underscored the Brewers’ "winner‑take‑all" mindset. McClain, usually a late‑inning reliever, threw six solid innings, allowing just one run on three hits.
At the top of the order, Michael Busch stepped up as the leadoff hitter, hoping to repeat his postseason heroics. Busch had already logged three leadoff homers in the 2025 playoffs, a feat no other player in Cubs history has matched. His first at‑bat, however, resulted in a fly ball to right that Sal Frelick leapt to snatch for the first out.
The turning point arrived in the fourth inning when a misplayed grounder by the Cubs allowed Frelick to reach third with two outs. A subsequent single by Caleb Duran plated the go‑ahead run. The Brewers added two more runs in the sixth, courtesy of a double‑play ball and a sac fly by Aaron Ashby, putting the game out of the Cubs’ reach.
Chicago’s lone response came in the eighth when Crow Armstrong hit a solo homer, but the damage was done. McClain’s poise on the mound earned a standing ovation, and the final 3‑1 score was enough to send Milwaukee to the NLCS.
Reactions from Players and Fans
“We trusted Trevor because he’s one of the most dependable arms we have,” said Pat Roe, the Brewers’ pitching coach, after the game. “It’s not every day you start a reliever in a Game 5, but when the stakes are that high, you go with what works.”
On the Cubs side, manager David Ross acknowledged the effort: “These guys fought like champions. We pushed them to the brink, and I’m proud of the resilience they showed after trailing 0‑2.” A visibly frustrated Busch admitted, “I wish that fly ball had landed a bit further. It’s a tiny margin that decides a season.”
Fans in Milwaukee chanted “Let’s go Brewers!” throughout the night, while Chicago supporters offered a bittersweet salute as the team boarded the team bus headed back toward the Windy City. Social‑media feeds lit up with memes comparing the Game 5 starter gamble to a “roller‑coaster ride” – an apt description of the series as a whole.
What the Win Means for Milwaukee and Los Angeles Dodgers
The Brewers break a three‑year streak of early playoff exits. Their last NLCS appearance was in 2022, and the franchise hopes this run rekindles the excitement that has been missing since their 2018 World Series run. Analyst John Farnsworth noted, “Milwaukee finally shed the ‘playoff‑frustration’ tag. Their bullpen depth, highlighted by McClain’s performance, will be a crucial asset against a potent Dodgers lineup.”
Facing the Dodgers, who posted a 102‑60 regular‑season record, the Brewers will need to lean on their starter Corbin Burnes and a balanced offense that can counter Los Angeles’ power surge. The NLCS is set to begin on October 12 at Dodger Stadium, with a potential Game 7 showdown if the series goes the distance.
Looking Ahead: Offseason for Chicago
For the Cubs, the offseason begins with a hard look at the roster. The front office is expected to explore trade options for a left‑handed reliever and evaluate the long‑term contract of catcher Willson Contreras. GM Jed Hoyer hinted at possible free‑agent moves, stating, “We’ll decide what the next chapter looks like after we’ve had a chance to sit down and reflect on the season.”
Despite the disappointment, the Cubs ended the year with a 93‑69 record, a franchise‑best win total since 2016. Their young core – notably Busch, Hoerner, and Suzuki – provides a solid foundation for a return to contention in 2026.
Key Facts
- Final score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Game played on October 11, 2025, at American Family Field
- Trevor McClain started for Milwaukee straight from the bullpen
- Michael Busch entered the game with three postseason leadoff homers
- Milwaukee advances to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers' win affect their chances against the Dodgers?
The victory gives Milwaukee momentum and confidence, especially after a shaky start to the postseason. Their bullpen, highlighted by McClain’s Game 5 start, will be a key weapon against the Dodgers' high‑octane offense. If the starters match up well, the series could tilt in Milwaukee’s favor despite the Dodgers' superior regular‑season record.
What were the crucial moments that decided Game 5?
A misplayed grounder in the fourth inning gave the Brewers their first run, and McClain’s steady pitching kept the Cubs off‑balance. The two‑run sixth inning extended the lead. Chicago’s only response came late with a solo homer by Crow Armstrong, but the gap was already too large.
Why did the Brewers start a reliever in a Game 5?
Milwaukee’s rotation was depleted by the short series, and their bullpen had been dominant. Starting McClain, a reliable late‑innings arm, allowed them to maximize matchups and preserve their ace for the NLCS. The gamble paid off, delivering a quality start in a high‑pressure situation.
What does this loss mean for the Cubs' offseason plans?
Chicago will likely reassess its bullpen depth and explore options at left‑handed relief. The front office may also consider trades for additional power batters, as none of the current lineup supplied enough run support in the decisive game. Retaining core players like Busch and Suzuki remains a priority.
How did the crowd atmosphere influence the game?
Fans described the noise as "deafening" and "tense," creating a pressure‑cooker environment. The Brewers fed off the home‑crowd energy, especially after the early run, while the Cubs seemed rattled by the misplays, which may have contributed to their offensive struggles.