When Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 3‑1 in Game 5 of the National League Division SeriesAmerican Family Field, the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin erupted. The win snapped a six‑year drought and sent the Brewers to the NLCS for the first time since 2018, setting up a showdown with whatever winner emerges from the Dodgers‑Mets clash.
Series Overview and What Led Up to Game 5
The NLDS was a tight, low‑scoring affair from the start. Both clubs leaned heavily on small‑ball tactics, but the Brewers’ emphasis on infield hits—317 across the regular season—proved decisive. After stealing two early games, the Cubs fought back to force a decisive fifth matchup. That’s where Freddy Peralta, starting pitcher (29) entered the spotlight.
Game 5: Key Plays and the Pitching Duel
Peralta, who carried a 0‑1 record and a 1.17 ERA into the night, delivered 2.2 innings of work, surrendering just one run. Behind him, reliever Chad Patrick, a 24‑year‑old right‑hander, added another two perfect innings. Together they limited Chicago to four hits and two costly errors.
The Cubs’ lone run came early, when Seiya Suzuki, outfielder (29) launched a solo homer in the second inning. It looked like a spark, but the Brewers answered back in the first, third, and seventh frames, each time planting a runner and forcing a run.
In the third inning, Garrett Mitchell, the Brewers’ 26‑year‑old outfielder, seized on a misplayed throw by Cubs outfielder Caleb Duran. The errant throw let Mitchell score from third, giving Milwaukee a 2‑1 edge.
Later, shortstop Joey Ortiz (26) came up clutch. With two outs and the bases loaded, he rang a grounder to short that seemed like a sure out, but the ball slipped through the infield, allowing the go‑ahead run to cross the plate. The broadcast’s exuberant call—"Carson Kelly grounded to short. Ortiz makes the play. Ball game over. The Brewers will play for the pennants"—still echoes in the stadium.
Cubs’ Missteps and Brewers’ Defensive Edge
Chicago’s defense was its Achilles’ heel. Two errors—both on plays that should have been routine—cost them a potential rally. Duran’s throw that "skipped away from second" turned a simple force out into a double‑run compromise. The Brewers, by contrast, committed zero errors, a flawless showing that underscored their disciplined approach.
Beyond the fielding, Milwaukee’s strategic focus on putting the ball in play paid dividends. They logged 19 in‑field hits on two‑out counts during the series, a stat that mirrors their regular‑season dominance in that category.
Impact on the Brewers Franchise
Owner Mark Attanasio, principal owner (67) and team president David Stearns, president (39) celebrated the win from the dugout, knowing the city had yearned for a deep playoff run. The attendance figure—43,694 fans—proved just how hungry Milwaukee’s base is for a pennant run.
For the players, it’s a morale booster. Catcher William Contreras (27) said, "We knew that if we kept the balls in front of us, the runs would come. Tonight was proof of that." The sentiment was echoed by veteran shortstop Jace Peterson, who added, "Every error we forced on the Cubs felt like a gift. We just had to cash it in."
Looking Ahead: NLCS Preview
The Brewers now await the winner of the other NLDS matchup—Los Angeles Dodgers versus New York Mets—set to begin on October 14, 2025. Regardless of the opponent, Milwaukee’s blend of disciplined contact hitting and stingy defense should translate well against any power‑heavy lineup.
Analysts point to the Brewers’ 3‑0 record in elimination games this postseason as a sign of mental toughness. Former MLB analyst Ken Rosenthal noted, "You don’t get to the NLCS by luck. The Brewers have shown they can execute under pressure, and that’s the hallmark of a championship contender."
For Cubs fans, the loss stung especially because manager Craig Counsell, manager (54) once called Milwaukee his "home team" after a stint as their skipper from 2015‑2022. The defeat feels personal, but the Cubs still have talent to rebuild around, namely Suzuki and emerging pitcher Jordan Wicks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers’ win affect Milwaukee’s economy?
Playoff games draw visitors from across the Midwest, boosting hotel occupancy, restaurant sales and merchandise revenue. The city’s tourism board estimates an extra $12 million in local spending through the NLCS, a notable lift for a summer‑tilted economy.
What key factors led to the Cubs’ errors?
The Cubs were rattled by early runs and seemed to be sprinting the ball instead of fielding it cleanly. Miscommunication between outfielders Duran and second‑base coach Zobrist resulted in the throw that skipped away, turning a routine out into a costly mistake.
Who are the Brewers likely to face in the NLCS?
The NLCS opponent will be the victor of the Dodgers‑Mets series. Both teams boast deep rosters, but the Dodgers’ ace, Gerrit Cole, and the Mets’ power bat Pete Alonso could dictate the tone of that series.
What does this series win mean for Brewers’ young players?
For emerging talents like infielder Brice Turang and pitcher Colin Rea, performing in high‑stakes games accelerates their development and solidifies their roles in the club’s long‑term plans.
How did the Brewers’ infield‑hit strategy compare to league trends?
In 2025, the league average for infield hits per team sat at 210. Milwaukee’s 317 topped that by nearly 50%, reflecting a conscious shift toward contact hitting that paid off in the postseason.
