With a blend of clutch hitting and lights-out pitching, the Milwaukee Brewers claimed a hard-fought 3-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the NLDS, advancing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, a victory that saw them shed years of playoff frustration and embrace their new “above-average” identity.
The Milwaukee Brewers have done it. In a thrilling winner-take-all Game 5 of the National League Division Series on Saturday night, the Brewers defeated their bitter rivals, the Chicago Cubs, by a score of 3-1. This pivotal victory not only advanced Milwaukee to the National League Championship Series but also set the stage for a highly anticipated rematch against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that ended their World Series hopes in 2018.
Home Run Power Fuels Milwaukee’s Offense
The Brewers’ offense relied entirely on the long ball to secure their three runs. Each of Milwaukee’s home runs came with two outs, showcasing a clutch hitting mentality throughout the decisive game.
- In the first inning, William Contreras staked the Brewers to a 1-0 lead with a two-out, 389-foot solo shot to left-center off Cubs opener Drew Pomeranz.
- Andrew Vaughn, acquired midseason and later summoned from the minors, broke a 1-all tie in the fourth with his second homer of the series, a two-out solo blast off Colin Rea.
- Brice Turang, who had struggled at the plate earlier in the series, provided crucial insurance in the seventh with a towering 416-foot two-out solo homer to center off Andrew Kittredge, extending the lead to 3-1.
“That was huge. Big moment there,” Vaughn said of his go-ahead homer. “Just swung the momentum into our dugout. It was huge, got everybody fired up. The crowd was unbelievable. They stayed loud all night after that.”
Five Pitchers Combine for Dominant Four-Hitter
While the offense delivered the runs, it was a masterful “bullpen game” by five Brewers pitchers that truly stifled the Cubs’ bats. The quintet combined for a four-hitter, allowing only a single run.
All-Star closer Trevor Megill opened the game with a perfect first inning, marking the first time in the series the Cubs failed to score in the opening frame. He then handed the ball to rookie right-hander Jacob Misiorowski, whose performance was a testament to his playoff resurgence.
Misiorowski (2-0), despite giving up a leadoff homer to Seiya Suzuki in the second inning (the Cubs’ only run), was otherwise dominant over four innings, allowing just two more singles. The 23-year-old struck out three and, crucially, walked none, earning his second victory of the series. Christian Yelich praised the young pitcher, noting, “But we’re definitely not winning this series if not for him. He pitched a ton of big innings for us in Game 2. And tonight, he was really unbelievable.”
The Brewers bullpen continued to shut down Chicago, with Aaron Ashby and Chad Patrick navigating a two-on, nobody-out threat in the sixth inning. Patrick retired Suzuki and struck out Ian Happ to end the threat. Finally, Abner Uribe closed out the game, pitching the final two scoreless innings for the first multi-inning save of his career, exorcising some of the team’s past bullpen demons.
From “Average Joes” to “Above-Average Joes”
Following the win, Brewers manager Pat Murphy celebrated his team’s gritty performance, upgrading their self-proclaimed nickname. “You can call them the average joes,” Murphy said, “but I say they’re the above-average joes.” This new moniker perfectly encapsulates a team that finished the regular season with the best record in the majors at 97-65, despite losing slugging shortstop Willy Adames in free agency and trading away All-Star closer Devin Williams the previous winter, as reported by ESPN. Their success highlights a collective effort over individual stardom.
Murphy emphasized the team’s collective spirit, stating, “It takes every single one of these guys in the locker room, and they’ve done it. We’ve got to keep going.” This sentiment resonates deeply with the fan base, who have rallied behind the small-market team’s unexpected dominance.
A Riveting Rivalry and Sweet Redemption
The victory was particularly sweet for Milwaukee fans as it came against their biggest rival and eliminated Cubs manager Craig Counsell from the postseason. Counsell, who grew up in Milwaukee and became the winningest manager in Brewers history before departing for Chicago, has been routinely booed by Brewers fans since his move. His disappointment was palpable after the game. “I’m disappointed. I’m sad,” Counsell remarked. “I think this team did a lot to honor the Chicago Cub uniform.”
The Cubs, after dropping the first two games at American Family Field, rallied to win two straight in Chicago, aiming to become only the 11th team to erase a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five playoff series, a feat last accomplished by the New York Yankees in 2017. However, the Brewers held strong, preventing the comeback and providing a memorable moment for their fans.
Back to the Battleground: The NLCS vs. Dodgers
With their NLDS triumph, the Brewers now prepare for a familiar foe: the Los Angeles Dodgers. This matchup is a highly anticipated rematch of the 2018 National League Championship Series, where the Dodgers ultimately defeated Milwaukee in a heartbreaking Game 7 at home. That series saw the Brewers on the cusp of their second World Series appearance in franchise history before their dreams were dashed. The Brewers are chasing their first pennant since 1982.
The Dodgers, who secured their spot by beating the Philadelphia Phillies in four games in the other NLDS, will travel to Milwaukee for Game 1 of the NLCS on Monday. Having home-field advantage throughout the postseason as the No. 1 overall seed is a significant boost for Milwaukee, as confirmed by official MLB Postseason schedules.
Remembering a Legend: Bob Uecker
The Brewers’ remarkable 2025 season and playoff run also carry a poignant emotional layer. Nine months after the death of legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker, who called Brewers games for 54 seasons and was synonymous with the franchise, his spirit continues to inspire the team and its fans. A banner with Uecker’s signature was prominently displayed as the Brewers posed for a postgame picture, and a fan sign reading “do it for bob uecker” drew roars from the sellout crowd. As manager Pat Murphy noted, “It was important to these guys — because it’s the rival — to finish the job. And they know Ueck is smiling.”
Milwaukee’s Eyes on the Prize
The Brewers’ victory in Game 5 was more than just a series win; it was a demonstration of resilience and a definitive step past previous playoff frustrations. Their ability to overcome challenges, adapt to injuries, and unite as a team has made them a formidable force. As they head into the NLCS against the Dodgers, Milwaukee is not just playing for a pennant; they are playing to complete a story of redemption, proving that their “above-average” status is well-earned.
