When Milwaukee Brewers edged the Chicago Cubs 3‑1 on October 11, 2025, the city of Milwaukee erupted. The win came in Game 5 of the National League Division Series at American Family Field, clinching a 3‑2 series victory and sending the Brewers to the National League Championship Series for the first time since their 2018 run.
Series Background and Stakes
Both clubs entered the NLDS as surprise packages. The Brewers finished the regular season with a 97‑65 record, boasting a league‑best 52‑29 mark at home. Their rivals, the Cubs, posted a respectable 92‑70 ledger but struggled on the road, going 42‑39 away from Wrigley Field. Throughout the summer, Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ manager, christened his roster the “Average Joes,” a nod to their small‑market status and lack of marquee stars.
Yet the NLDS proved anything but average. The first four games flipped back and forth, with home‑field advantage dictating the outcome. Each team defended its turf, setting up a winner‑take‑all showdown under the lights of a packed American Family Field.
Game 5 Highlights
The opening inning gave Milwaukee an early jolt. William Contreras hammered a solo shot to the left‑center field wall, his second homer of the postseason and a reminder of why he’s been batting .313 in the playoffs. The Brewers never looked back.
Midway through the fourth, Andrew Vaughn launched a deep drive that landed just beyond the bullpen fence, breaking a tight 1‑1 tie and putting the Brewers ahead for good. A few innings later, shortstop Brice Turang added another solo blast, extending the margin to 3‑1.
Milwaukee’s defense was flawless: six hits, zero errors, and a composed bullpen that shut down Chicago’s last‑ditch rally.
Key Performances
- William Contreras – 1 HR, 1 RBI, .313 postseason average.
- Andrew Vaughn – Game‑winning HR in the fourth inning.
- Brice Turang – Added the third run with a solo blast.
- Pat Murphy – Post‑game comment: “You can call them the average Joes, but I say they’re the above‑average Joes.”
Pitching Mastery
The Brewers’ bullpen turned in a collective masterpiece. Trevor Megill opened the night with a clean inning, followed by a rapid‑fire trio of Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby and Chad Patrick. The closing chapter came from left‑hander Abner Uribe, who recorded the final six outs for his first multi‑inning save.
Stat sheet snapshot:
- Brewers: 4.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K
- Cubs: 2.2 IP, 1 ER, 2 K (plus a 2.0‑IP relief effort with 0 ER)
The collective effort limited Chicago to four hits and two errors, a stark contrast to the Brewers’ flawless defensive display.
What This Means for Milwaukee
Ending a seven‑year postseason series drought is more than a statistical footnote; it reshapes the franchise narrative. The ‘Average Joes’ moniker, once embraced as self‑deprecating, now feels like a badge of honor. Fans who endured the heartbreak of missed opportunities in 2019, 2020 and 2022 finally get a taste of genuine hope.
“It takes every single one of these guys in the locker room, and they’ve done it. We’ve got to keep going,” said Turang, echoing Murphy’s optimism. The victory also sends a clear signal to the league: a small market can compete with the deep pockets of bigger clubs when it clicks on both sides of the ball.
Looking Ahead to the NLCS
Next stop: a showdown with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. Game 1 of the National League Championship Series is slated for the evening of October 12, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, fresh off a dominant regular season, will test whether Milwaukee’s “above‑average” run can survive a deep‑lineup attack.
Analysts point to the Brewers’ balanced roster—solid offense, stout bullpen, and a manager who knows how to rally his crew—as key factors. Yet the Dodgers’ power‑hitting core, led by the likes of Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, will pose a daunting challenge. The series promises to be a classic small‑market versus big‑budget narrative, one that could redefine postseason expectations for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers’ win affect their chances against the Dodgers?
The victory injects confidence and proves the bullpen can shut down strong offenses. However, the Dodgers’ lineup is deeper, so Milwaukee will need to maintain its balanced attack and keep runs off the board to stay competitive.
Who were the standout performers in Game 5?
William Contreras set the tone with a first‑inning homer, Andrew Vaughn delivered the go‑ahead blast in the fourth, and Brice Turang added a third run. On the mound, Abner Uribe’s multi‑inning save capped a flawless bullpen effort.
What was the significance of Pat Murphy’s “above‑average Joes” comment?
Murphy’s remark underscored the team’s identity shift—from underdogs to legitimate contenders. It reflects both a morale boost and a strategic narrative that the club can punch above its weight class.
When and where is the NLCS Game 1 scheduled?
Game 1 of the NLCS is set for October 12, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, with an 8 p.m. ET tip‑off.
What does this series win mean for Milwaukee’s long‑term outlook?
Breaking a seven‑year NLDS drought can change the franchise’s trajectory, potentially attracting free agents, increasing ticket sales, and solidifying the Brewers as a perennial playoff contender.
