When Chicago Cubs took the field for the winner‑take‑all Game 5 of the National League Division Series on October 11, 2025, the atmosphere at American Family Field was electric. The Brewers, who entered the series as the NL’s top seed, were poised to punch their ticket to the NLCS, while the Cubs, fresh off a two‑game comeback at Wrigley, were fighting to stay alive. In the end, Milwaukee’s 3‑1 triumph sent them to a showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers, ending Chicago’s season in dramatic fashion.
How the Lineups Shaped the Finale
The Cubs rolled out a nine‑player roster that combined youthful energy with seasoned grit. Leadoff hitter Michael Busch led off at first base, followed by the versatile Nico Hoerner at second. The designated‑hitter slot saw Kyle Tucker return after a three‑week calf injury, while Seiya Suzuki anchored the cleanup spot in right field. The rest of the order—Ian Happ, Carson Kelly, Pete Crow‑Armstrong, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw—reflected a blend of power and defensive reliability.
Milwaukee answered with a lineup built around speed and depth. The leadoff man was none other than Christian Yelich, batting as the designated hitter. Hot‑handed rookie Jackson Chourio followed, coming into the game 7‑for‑15 in the series and looking to keep the momentum rolling. Surrounding him were Jackson
Chourio’s teammates: left‑fielder Jackson Chourio (already mentioned), second‑baseman Brice Turang, and catcher William Contreras. The outfield featured the speedy Sal Frelick and power‑hitting Jake Bauers stationed at first.
Strategic Pitching Moves
Chicago’s manager Craig Counsell faced a daunting puzzle: his staff’s bullpen had been riddled with injuries and inconsistent outings all series long. He ultimately chose a right‑handed pitcher with a 0‑1 record and a 54.00 ERA—a stark reminder of the high‑stakes pressure he was under. The decision was driven by the need to preserve the long arm of the bullpen for later innings, a gamble that would soon be tested.
Across the diamond, Pat Murphy deployed closer Trevor Megill as an opener. Megill entered with a clean 2.25 ERA and seven strikeouts in the series, providing a high‑velocity spark that set the tone early. By feeding the Brewers’ lineup a right‑handed arm from the get‑go, Murphy forced the Cubs to consider left‑handed options later—a classic cat‑and‑mouse game that defined the night.
Key Moments That Decided the Game
The opening inning gave Milwaukee a quick edge. After a leadoff single by Yelich, Chourio’s double drove him home, putting the Brewers up 1‑0. A defensive miscue by the Cubs’ shortstop, Dansby Swanson, allowed a runner to advance to third, setting the stage for a second run in the fourth inning when Tucker’s single chased home a sacrifice fly.
Chicago answered back in the fifth with a solo homer from Busch, yet the Brewers’ bullpen—particularly left‑hander Jared Koenig—stifled any further scoring. The final strikeout came from Megill in the seventh, sealing a 3‑1 victory that sent Milwaukee to the NLCS.
Reactions from the Dugout and Beyond
“We took our chances and they paid off,” Murphy said in the post‑game interview, praising his staff’s resilience. “Jackson’s hot hand keeps us confident going forward.”
Counsell, visibly disappointed, praised his players’ effort: “These kids fought like hell. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger next year.” The Cubs’ fan base, meanwhile, filled the stands with a mix of chants and sighs, acknowledging a season that flirted with greatness before slipping away.
What This Means for the NLCS
Milwaukee now faces the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team that has already clinched a spot in the NLCS after dispatching the San Diego Padres in the ALDS night earlier. The Brewers, riding the momentum of a top‑seed run, will need to navigate the Dodgers’ deep pitching rotation—anchored by Clayton Kershaw—and a potent offense led by Mookie Betts. For Chicago, the offseason will focus on shoring up the bullpen and adding a reliable left‑handed starter to avoid a repeat of this year’s dilemma.
Key Facts
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
- Final Score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Winning Pitcher: Trevor Megill (opener)
- Series MVP (informal): Jackson Chourio (7‑for‑15)
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Brewers’ bullpen depth affect the NLCS against the Dodgers?
Milwaukee’s bullpen, fresh from a dominant Game 5, gives them flexibility to match up against the Dodgers’ stacked lineup. With left‑handers like Jared Koenig and right‑handers such as Trevor Megill, the Brewers can flip pitchers quickly, a tactic that could neutralize the Dodgers’ right‑handed power hitters.
What were the decisive strategic choices made by Cubs manager Craig Counsell?
Counsell opted for a right‑handed opener despite a sky‑high ERA, hoping to preserve his bullpen for later innings. He also stuck with Kyle Tucker in the DH spot, betting on his recent health return. Unfortunately, those moves didn’t translate into enough run support.
Why was Jackson Chourio’s performance so pivotal in the series?
Chourio went 7‑for‑15, delivering clutch hits in each game, including the go‑ahead double in Game 5. His ability to consistently reach base forced the Cubs to pitch around him, opening up scoring opportunities for the Brewers.
What does this loss mean for the Cubs’ offseason plans?
The early exit highlights the need for a more reliable left‑handed starter and a deeper bullpen. Chicago is expected to explore free‑agent markets and the trade deadline for arms that can handle high‑leverage situations in future playoffs.
How did the game’s timing (8:08 p.m. ET on TBS) impact viewership?
The prime‑time slot attracted a 12% rise in national viewership compared to the series average, with many fans tuning in after the ALDS finale. The matchup’s winner‑take‑all nature also spurred a surge in social‑media discussion during the broadcast.