Brewers Top Cubs 3-1 to Reach First NLCS Since 2018

• by Kieran Faraday
• Oct, 14 2025

When Milwaukee Brewers broke a six‑year postseason wall on October 11, 2025, the roar at American Family Field was deafening.

The Brewers edged the Chicago Cubs 3–1 in Game 5 of the National League Division SeriesAmerican Family Field, clinching a series win that hadn’t happened since the 2018 NLCS run.

Game Overview

The night began with a tense, almost nervous atmosphere – the kind you feel when a city’s pride hangs in the balance. The Cubs jumped early, with leadoff hitter Michael Busch smashing a fly ball that was promptly snagged by Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell. That catch set the tone: the Cubs were hungry, but the Brewers were ready.

Milwaukee’s offense stayed quiet through the first six innings. Until, in the bottom of the seventh, Brice Turang stepped up and launched a two‑run homer that lifted the score to 3–1. It was the decisive splash that sent the crowd into a frenzy and put the series out of the Cubs’ reach.

Key Plays and Turning Points

The pivotal moment came when Turang’s blast cleared the left‑field fence, a shot that CBS Sports analyst Matt Snyder later described as "the long ball that did the heavy lifting for Milwaukee." The home run wasn’t just a run; it was a statement.

Following that, the Brewers’ bullpen did what it was hired to do – shut the door. Reliever Abner Uribe recorded the final two outs, the last of which was a grounder by Carson Kelly that shortstop William Contreras fielded cleanly for the series‑clinching out.

Managerial Moves and Pitching Strategy

One of the night’s biggest storylines was manager Pat Murphy’s unconventional decision to start Trevor Megill directly from the bullpen. Megill, typically a late‑inning fire‑ball, was tasked with setting the tone from the get‑go. He delivered seven solid innings, mixing strikes with a few well‑placed pitches that kept the Cubs off balance.

"Megill’s role was a gamble, but it paid off," Murphy said in the post‑game interview. "He gave us the confidence to ride our offense later in the game." The move sparked a wave of analysis across sports media, many pointing out that the decision mirrored a trend of flexible bullpen usage seen in the 2020s.

Fan Experience and Tribute to Bob Uecker

Outside the on‑field drama, the night carried an emotional undercurrent. Fans waved signs reading "Play it again, Bob" and "Uecker forever," honoring the beloved broadcaster who passed away earlier this year after more than five decades with the club. The tribute reminded everyone that baseball is as much about memories as it is about statistics.

The stadium’s soundscape, described by the broadcast crew as "tense, anxious, yet deafening," reflected a city that had waited years for this moment. When Turang’s homer cleared the fence, the roar felt like a collective exhale – a mixture of relief, joy, and a touch of reverence for the man whose voice had narrated countless Brewers moments.

What Comes Next: NLCS Preview

With the series win, the Brewers now set their sights on the Los Angeles Dodgers, who clinched the National League West earlier this week. The NLCS starts on October 14, 2025, and will be a clash of contrasting styles: Milwaukee’s gritty, small‑ball approach versus Los Angeles’ power‑heavy lineup.

Experts predict that the Brewers’ bullpen depth, highlighted by Megill’s flexibility, will be crucial. Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ legendary ace, Clayton Kershaw, will challenge the Brewers’ hitters early. If Turang can repeat his power display and the bullpen can keep the Dodgers’ bats in check, Milwaukee could be heading to the World Series for the first time since 2018.

Historical Context of the I‑94 Rivalry

The Brewers‑Cubs showdown is more than a postseason series; it’s the embodiment of the I‑94 rivalry that dates back to the 1990s when the two clubs first met in the playoffs. The interstate that connects Chicago and Milwaukee has become a symbolic battlefield, with each city’s fan base fiercely defending its pride.

Since the rivalry’s inception, there have been six postseason meetings, most of them decided in tight, low‑scoring games. The 2025 NLDS marked the fourth time the Brewers won a winner‑take‑all series against the Cubs, the first since the 2018 NLCS run. And for a city that mourned Bob Uecker just months earlier, the victory felt like a proper send‑off.