On October 11, 2025, the Chicago Cubs saw their postseason hopes extinguished at American Family Field when they dropped a 3‑1 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers in NLDS Game 5. The loss ended a roller‑coaster series that had seen the Cubs claw back two straight wins after falling behind 0‑2 on the road. Craig Counsell, the Cubs’ manager and former Brewers skipper (2015‑2023), watched his team bow out as Pat Murphy’s Brewers headed to the National League Championship Series.
Series Overview and Turning Points
The National League Division Series opened on October 7 at Milwaukee, with the Brewers taking the first two games behind strong pitching from Freddy Peralta and timely hitting. The Cubs answered by winning Games 3 and 4 at Wrigley Field, thanks to clutch performances from Seiya Suzuki and a late‑inning rally that forced a winner‑take‑all showdown.
Game 5 was a study in contrasts. The Brewers struck first, loading the bases and delivering a solo blast from Andrew Vaughn in the bottom of the first. The Cubs answered immediately that same inning when Seiya Suzuki launched a three‑run homer, turning a 1‑0 deficit into a 3‑1 lead. The rest of the night was a defensive chess match, but Milwaukee’s three solo home runs proved enough.
Key Performances and Managerial Decisions
Choosing a starter for the decisive game was the biggest puzzle for Craig Counsell. He ultimately went with left‑hander Drew Pomeranz, a 36‑year‑old who hadn’t appeared in the majors since 2021. After a three‑year hiatus, Pomeranz logged 57 appearances during the regular season, posting a 2.17 ERA and a 2‑2 record. Counsell passed over Japanese import Shota Imanaga because the latter’s first‑inning numbers (7.20 ERA, nine home runs) were a glaring weakness.
The Brewers’ bullpen, led by Pat Murphy’s aggressive management, kept the Cubs’ offense in check. After Peralta’s three strikeouts to start the game, reliever Porter Hodge entered in the seventh with Chicago trailing 3‑1, but the damage was already done.
What the Loss Means for Chicago
Beyond the immediate disappointment, the defeat caps a remarkable turnaround for the Cubs. After a 74‑88 record in 2024, Chicago posted a 92‑70 tally in 2025, clinching the NL Central and returning to postseason relevance for the first time since 2021. The run was built on a balanced roster, veteran leadership, and a manager who knows both sides of the rivalry.
Fans will remember the defensive highlight when shortstop Nico Hoerner chased down a roller up the middle, allowing left fielder Ian Happ to sprint to third. The play exemplified the hustle that defined Chicago’s season, even if it couldn’t overturn the final result.
Brewers’ Path to the NLCS
Milwaukee’s victory sends Pat Murphy’s squad to the National League Championship Series, where they will meet the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 14 at Dodger Stadium. The Brewers finished the regular season 98‑64, the best record in the National League, and have already shown they can deliver clutch power—three solo homers in a single playoff game is no small feat.
The next challenge will be containing the Dodgers’ explosive offense. Analysts point to the Brewers’ ability to generate runs in bursts as a potential equalizer, but they’ll need to keep a lid on Los Angeles’ left‑handed power batters, especially during the early innings where the series has historically swung.
Historical Context and the Counsell‑Murphy Narrative
This series added another chapter to a story that began back in 2015 when Craig Counsell took over as the Brewers’ manager. Over nine seasons, he guided Milwaukee to three NLCS appearances and a World Series berth in 2018. His move to Chicago in 2024 sparked talk of a “homecoming” rivalry reignited.
Pat Murphy, meanwhile, stepped into the Brewers’ dugout midway through 2023 after the previous manager’s departure. By his second full season, he has already earned a trip to the NLCS, proving his aggressive style resonates with Milwaukee’s talent‑laden roster.
- Series result: Brewers win 3‑1 in Game 5.
- Key home runs: Andrew Vaughn (Brewers), Seiya Suzuki (Cubs).
- Winning pitcher: Freddy Peralta (3 K’s in first three innings).
- Cubs’ season record: 92‑70; Brewers’ season record: 98‑64.
- Next matchup: Brewers vs. Dodgers in NLCS (Oct 14‑21).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Cubs' offseason plans?
Chicago now faces a rebuild with a solid core. The front office will likely retain most of the 2025 roster, but will explore upgrades at catcher and starting pitching to complement veterans like Ian Happ and emerging arms such as Shota Imanaga.
What were the pivotal moments in Game 5?
The turning point came early: Andrew Vaughn’s solo homer gave the Brewers a lead, and Seiya Suzuki’s three‑run blast answered back, but Milwaukee’s relentless solo shots in the later innings sealed the game.
Why did Counsell choose Drew Pomeranz over Shota Imanaga?
Counsell cited Imanaga’s shaky first‑inning stats (7.20 ERA, nine home runs) as the reason. Pomeranz, despite his three‑year gap, posted a steady 2.17 ERA in 2025, offering a more reliable start.
What challenges will the Brewers face against the Dodgers?
Milwaukee must contain Los Angeles’ power surge, especially from left‑handed sluggers. Keeping the game close early will be key, as the Dodgers excel at turning early leads into decisive victories.
How did the series reflect Craig Counsell’s managerial evolution?
Having guided the Brewers to multiple NLCS trips, Counsell applied those lessons in Chicago, emphasizing aggressive baserunning and tactical pitching changes. Though it fell short, the series showed his ability to adapt under pressure.
