When Pat Murphy, manager of Milwaukee Brewers watched the final out roll across the dirt at American Family Field on Saturday night, the roar of 42,743 fans turned into a collective exhale. The Brewers had just clinched a 3‑1 win over the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the National League Division SeriesMilwaukee, Wisconsin, snapping a six‑year stretch of series defeats and booking a spot in the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Historical Context: A Decade of Near‑Misses
Since their 2018 sweep of the Colorado Rockies, the Brewers have been to the postseason seven times in eight seasons, yet the only series win came in that very spring. A string of heart‑breaks – from a Game 7 loss to the Dodgers in the 2018 NLCS to a string of wild‑card exits – turned into a narrative of a franchise stuck in the playoffs without ever breaking through. The win over Chicago not only ends the hex but also rewrites a résumé that had been bruised by repeated early exits.
Game 5 Recap: How the Brewers Took Control
The fourth inning proved decisive. Andrew Vaughn stepped up to the plate and crushed a solo home run that pulled the Brewers even. William Contreras added a solo blast later, while shortstop Brice Turang, who had been quiet through the first four games, launched his own solo homer in the sixth, providing the insurance run that put the game out of reach.
On the mound, the Brewers’ rotation – Trevor Megill, rookie Jacob Misiorowski, and left‑hander Aaron Ashby – limited Chicago to just four hits. Reliever Abner Uribe recorded six outs for the first multi‑inning save of his career, sealing a four‑hit shutout that felt like a statement.
Voices from the Dugout and Beyond
“You can call them the average Joes, but I say they’re the above‑average Joes,” Pat Murphy declared in the post‑game interview, a nod to his self‑deprecating season mantra. Shortstop Turang added, “It takes every single one of these guys in the locker room, and they've done it… We've got to keep going.”
Across the diamond, Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who spent eight seasons in Milwaukee, reflected on the weight of a winner‑take‑all game: “These are the games you try to get yourself into… When all the other stuff is there, the stress of it, that’s when your best self comes out.” Though his team fell short, his words captured the rarity and intensity of an Interstate 94 rivalry that finally met in the postseason.
Impact Assessment: What This Means for Milwaukee
The victory carries both emotional and financial heft. Milwaukee’s payroll sits at roughly $138.7 million for 2025, less than half of the Dodgers’ $297.3 million. Yet the Brewers have demonstrated that disciplined scouting and depth can punch above their weight class. Advancing to the NLCS not only promises higher ticket revenues – the first home game is set for Monday, October 13, at 7:08 p.m. CT – but also offers a chance to prove that small‑market clubs can still challenge the traditional powerhouses.
From a franchise‑wide perspective, the win may shift the narrative from “perennial participants” to “legitimate contenders.” The next series against Los Angeles will test the Brewers’ bullpen depth and the durability of their young arms, but the morale boost alone is priceless.
Looking Ahead: NLCS Preview and Stakes
The Los Angeles Dodgers arrive in Milwaukee with a payroll that dwarfs the Brewers’, a lineup that includes the league’s MVP‑caliber sluggers, and a pitching staff anchored by a perennial Cy‑Young contender. Yet the Dodgers have also shown vulnerability in late‑innings relief, a weakness Milwaukee could exploit, especially with Uribe gaining confidence after his first multi‑inning save.
Game 1 is slated for NL Championship SeriesAmerican Family Field. If the Brewers repeat the defensive poise they displayed against Chicago, they stand a realistic shot at pulling off another upset. If not, the Dodgers will likely tighten the series quickly, turning Milwaukee’s dream into a brief flash.
Key Facts
- Final score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Winning pitcher: Trevor Megill (5 IP, 0 R)
- Save: Abner Uribe (first multi‑inning save)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Brewers' chances in the NLCS?
The win snaps a six‑year series‑loss streak and gives the Brewers massive momentum heading into the NLCS. Their pitching staff showed depth, and the offense finally delivered timely home runs, factors that could level the playing field against the higher‑paid Dodgers.
Which players were most instrumental in the Game 5 victory?
Andrew Vaughn’s solo homer broke the deadlock, William Contreras added another, and Brice Turang’s sixth‑inning blast provided insurance. On the mound, Trevor Megill’s five shutout innings and Abner Uribe’s historic multi‑inning save were crucial.
What does the Brewers' payroll say about their postseason strategy?
At $138.7 million, the Brewers operate on roughly half the Dodgers’ payroll. Their strategy hinges on scouting, player development, and cost‑controlled contracts, proving that disciplined spending can still produce playoff success.
When and where is the NLCS Game 1 scheduled?
Game 1 of the NLCS is set for Monday, October 13, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. Central Time, at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
How did the Cubs perform in the series before the final loss?
The Cubs forced a decisive Game 5 by winning Games 3 and 4 at Wrigley Field after dropping the first two in Milwaukee. Their offense sparked late in the series, but they couldn’t overcome the Brewers' pitching in the finale.
