When Milwaukee Brewers edged out the Chicago Cubs 3–1 in the winner‑take‑all Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the 42,743 fans packed into American Family Field finally got to witness the franchise’s first postseason series win since 2018.
It wasn’t just any win. The Brewers broke a six‑series losing streak that had haunted the club through five different post‑season runs, a drought that seemed to follow them from the era of Ryan Braun to the present day. The moment felt like a long‑awaited exhale for owner Mark Attanasio and a sigh of relief for fans who have endured the “one‑and‑done” curse for half a decade.
How the Game Unfolded
The drama kicked off in the bottom of the second inning when William Contreras launched a solo shot to left‑center, his first postseason homer of the year. "I just saw the pitch, knew I had a chance, and decided to swing for the fences," Contreras said post‑game, eyes still glittering from the crowd’s roar.
Not to be outdone, Andrew Vaughn followed three innings later with a second‑inning blast that put the Brewers up 2–0. "We’re feeding off the energy out there. When you hear that crack, it’s like a signal that we’re still alive," Vaughn added, wiping sweat from his brow.
Chicago’s lone run arrived in the fourth via a ground‑out RBI by Ian Happ, but the Brewers answered with a insurance home run from Brice Turang in the seventh. Turang, who had struggled throughout the series, shrugged off the earlier slump, telling reporters, "I just focused on the next pitch. That’s all you can control."
Five pitchers—Corbin Burnes, J.T. Chargois, Adrian Houser, Jameson Taillon, and closer Devin Williams combined for the 27 outs, each delivering a mix of strikeouts and ground‑ball outs that left the Cubs scrambling for answers.
Series Back‑and‑Forth: From 2‑0 Lead to 2‑2 Tie
The Brewers had taken firm control in Games 1 and 2 at home, posting runs of 6–3 and 5–2 respectively. The early dominance sparked talk of a quick series sweep, but the Cubs, under manager Craig Counsell, turned the tide at Wrigley Field. "We knew we had to change the narrative after those first two nights," Counsell explained in a pre‑game press conference before Game 3.
Chicago’s comeback was historic: a 4–3 win in Game 3, followed by a 6–5 extra‑innings thriller in Game 4, forced a decisive Game 5 back in Milwaukee. The rivalry, often painted as a simple Interstate 94 clash, grew into a classic postseason duel that will be remembered for its swings in momentum and sheer resilience on both sides.
Why This Win Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
Breaking the postseason hex does more than add a trophy case item; it reshapes the franchise’s narrative. The Brewers finished the regular season with a franchise‑best 97 wins, clinching the NL Central and earning a first‑round bye. Yet, since 2019, they’d been stuck in a loop: advance, lose, start over. As sports analyst Jude Doyle noted on ESPN, "Milwaukee finally proved they can convert regular‑season excellence into postseason execution. That’s the missing piece for years.”
For the Cubs, the loss extends a different sort of curse—their own inability to convert regular‑season success into deep playoff runs. Finishing five games behind the Brewers, Chicago still managed to push a two‑game lead to the brink, a testament to their grit but also a reminder that they still lack a clear path forward.
Looking Ahead: NLCS Showdown with the Dodgers
Next up, the Brewers will lock horns with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Game 1 is slated for Monday, October 13, at 7:08 p.m. CT at American Family Field. The Dodgers, boasting a roster that includes Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and rising star Will Smith, present a formidable obstacle.
"We’re excited, but we know the Dodgers are a different animal," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said during the post‑game press conference. "We just have to keep playing our game, stay aggressive on the bases, and let our pitching do the work."
Historical Context: The Curse that Finally Broke
The last time the Brewers won a postseason series was back in the 2018 NLCS, a loss to the Dodgers that ended in a heartbreaking Game 7. Counterintuitively, that series featured Counsell as the Brewers’ manager, making his current role with Chicago an ironic footnote in the rivalry’s storyline.
Since 2019, Milwaukee’s eight playoff appearances have all ended in a single‑round exit—whether against the San Diego Padres (2020), the Atlanta Braves (2021), the New York Mets (2022), the Houston Astros (2023), or the Washington Nationals (2024). Even their 2025 NLDS showdown against the Cubs seemed like another chapter in the same book until the decisive home‑field strike in Game 5 rewrote the ending.
Fan Experience: The Energy That Turned the Tide
The crowd of 42,743 didn’t just watch—they participated. From the synchronized “Let’s Go Brew Crew!” chant after Contreras’ homer to the collective gasp when Turang’s ball cleared the left‑field fence, the fanbase turned the stadium into a living, breathing fourth‑inning pressure cooker. “You could feel the pulse of the city in the stands,” said longtime season ticket holder Mark Hernandez. “When the Brewers finally broke through, it felt like a win for every Milwaukeean who’s been waiting years.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect the Brewers’ chances in the NLCS?
The win injects confidence and momentum into a club that finally proved it can close a series. With a strong bullpen and a lineup that just hit three homers in the final game, Milwaukee will likely lean on its aggressive baserunning and pitching depth against the Dodgers, who are known for powerful offense.
What were the key statistical differences between the Brewers and Cubs in Game 5?
Milwaukee logged eight hits, three of which were home runs, and recorded 11 strikeouts. Chicago managed five hits, two walks, and eight strikeouts. The Brewers also out‑slugged the Cubs 5‑2 in left‑field fly balls, a metric that often correlates with higher run production.
Why is the rivalry between the Brewers and Cubs considered one of the most intense in baseball?
Both clubs share a Midwestern fanbase, a geographic proximity along Interstate 94, and a history of alternating dominance. Add in former Brewers manager Craig Counsell now leading the Cubs, and each regular‑season matchup feels like a battle for regional bragging rights, amplifying every postseason encounter.
What does this series win mean for the Brewers’ front office and future roster moves?
Owner Mark Attanasio and GM Matt Arnold now have a proven postseason package to build around. Expect them to retain core players like Contreras and Vaughn while exploring free‑agent upgrades at the outfield and high‑leverage relief roles before the offseason deadline.
How did the weather conditions at American Family Field impact gameplay?
A mild 58°F and light east wind kept the ball in play, favoring hitters who could time their swings. The conditions also helped pitchers maintain grip on the baseball, contributing to the Brewers’ 11 strikeouts.
