When Craig Counsell, Cubs manager watched the final out roll across the plate on October 11, 2025, the Chicago Cubs saw their 2025 postseason hopes evaporate at American Family Field in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Brewers edged the game 3‑1 in the winner‑take‑all showdown of the National League Division Series (NLDS), sending the Los Angeles Dodgers to a waiting NLCS slot. It was a night that felt like a déjà vu for the Cubs, who had clawed back from a 2‑0 hole only to fall short at the last hurdle.
Series Overview and Early Setbacks
The best‑of‑five NLDS began with the Brewers holding the home‑field advantage at American Family Field. Game 1 saw Milwaukee’s ace, Corbin Burnes, silence Chicago’s lineup, while Game 2 featured a late‑inning rally by the Brewers that capped a 5‑2 win. Those first two losses left the Cubs staring at a 0‑2 deficit, a scenario that historically favors the team with the higher seed.
Cubs' Comeback at Wrigley Field
Back in Chicago, the atmosphere at Wrigley Field turned electric. In Game 3, Corey Julks delivered a walk‑off single in the ninth, tying the series 1‑1. The very next night, the Cubs ripped a two‑run homer from Seiya Suzuki and held on for a 4‑3 victory, forcing a decisive Game 5. Fans sang “Go Cubs Go” until the stadium lights flickered, and even the most skeptical analysts praised the resilience shown by a team that’d trailed most of the season.
Game 5 Breakdown and Key Moments
Game 5 was a study in pitching duels. Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta started, while Chicago countered with Ben Brown. Peralta kept the Cubs quiet for the first two innings, and a solitary run slipped in when Chicago’s Aaron Civale’s leadoff double turned into a run after a wild pitch. The Brewers added two insurance runs in the fourth, both from a two‑run out‑of‑the‑park triple by William Contreras. The Cubs’ offense sputtered; despite five hits, they recorded just one run. As Craig Counsell bluntly put it after the game, “We just didn’t do much.”
Reactions from Counsell and the Team
In post‑game remarks on October 12, Counsell praised his former squad, saying, “It’s a very good baseball team, and a team that deserves and earned their way for the win.” He also highlighted the mental fatigue that comes with a five‑game series, noting that “the guys gave everything, but sometimes the ball just doesn’t roll your way.” Veteran catcher Willson Contreras added that the Cubs “will take the lessons from this run into next year and come back stronger.”
What the Loss Means for Chicago and What’s Next
The defeat signals a quick offseason for a club that was only a few wins away from breaking a decade‑long drought of World Series appearances. General manager Jed Hoyer announced that the front office will explore free‑agent options for the outfield and consider a trade for a high‑caliber reliever before the December signing deadline. Meanwhile, fans can expect a flurry of “re‑load” activity on the Interstate‑94 corridor as the team heads back to Chicago to regroup.
Historical Context: Cubs vs. Brewers in the Postseason
This isn’t the first time the two Midwest rivals crossed swords in October. The 2015 NLDS saw the Brewers fall short after a rain‑delayed Game 5, while the 2020 Wild Card Game ended with Chicago’s walk‑off win. The 2025 series adds another chapter, highlighting the growing parity in the National League and the thin line between triumph and heartbreak.
Key Facts
- Final score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, WI
- Series outcome: Brewers advance to NLCS vs. Dodgers
- Key players: Freddy Peralta (WIS), Ben Brown (CHC)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Cubs' offseason plans?
The early exit forces Chicago to reassess its roster before free‑agency. GM Jed Hoyer is expected to target a power‑hitting outfielder and bolster the bullpen, aiming to address the offensive void that appeared in Game 5.
What were the turning points in Game 5?
Freddy Peralta’s dominance early on and William Contreras’ two‑run triple in the fourth inning created a cushion the Cubs couldn’t overcome. A missed scoring opportunity on a bases‑loaded situation in the seventh sealed Chicago’s fate.
Who will the Brewers face in the NLCS?
Milwaukee advances to meet the Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept the San Diego Padres in their own NLDS. The Dodgers, led by Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw, will look to cap a dominant postseason run.
How did the Cubs manage to force a Game 5 after being down 0‑2?
A combination of clutch hitting, strategic bullpen usage, and a raucous home‑field advantage at Wrigley Field turned the tide. Key hits from Corey Julks and Seiya Suzuki sparked back‑to‑back wins that reignited the team’s belief.
What does this series tell us about the current state of the NL West vs. Central?
The tight contest underscores the growing competitiveness of the Central division. While the West still fields powerhouse clubs like the Dodgers, Central teams such as the Cubs and Brewers are now regularly contending for deep postseason runs.
