When Trevor Megill, a right‑handed reliever for Milwaukee Brewers was called straight from the bullpen to start the decisive fifth game, the atmosphere at American Family Field turned electric. The crowd’s roar was deafening, but the real drama unfolded on the diamond as the Brewers held off a resilient Chicago Cubs squad, winning 3–1 and booking their ticket to the National League Championship Series.
Series background: A rivalry rewrites the NL Central narrative
The 2025 National League Division Series (NLDS) was more than a best‑of‑five showdown; it was the latest chapter in a rivalry that’s simmered for a decade. Milwaukee Brewers finished the regular season with a league‑best 97‑65 record, clinching the NL Central crown, while the Chicago Cubs posted a respectable 92‑70 mark to finish second.
The two clubs split the first four games, each winning twice at home, setting the stage for a winner‑take‑all finale. The series showcased contrasting styles: Milwaukee’s power‑forward approach, led by sluggers like Christian Yelich, against Chicago’s small‑ball tactics that emphasized infield hits and aggressive baserunning.
Game 5 highlights: How the Brewers seized control
During NLDS Game 5American Family Field, the first inning set the tone. Cubs leadoff hitter Michael Busch stepped into the box with a reputation for three leadoff homers in the postseason, but a perfectly placed line drive to right was snagged by Yelich after a sprint that left fans on their feet.
Milwaukee answered in the third with a solitary run: a two‑out single by Andrew Vaughn followed by a sac fly from Ryan Braun. The sixth inning delivered the decisive blow. A leadoff double by Mark Kotsay set up John Schreiber to uncork a three‑run homer, pushing the lead to 3–0.
The Cubs clawed back a run in the eighth when Ian Happ ripped a solo shot to left‑center. However, a misplayed ball that bounced off the second‑base bag—later described by broadcasters as "sloppy"—prevented a potential rally, leaving the score untouched for the final three innings.
Managerial decisions that tipped the scales
Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ manager, drew eyebrows when he opted to start Megill out of the bullpen. The move mirrored a trend in modern baseball: using high‑leverage relievers as de facto starters in elimination games. Megill delivered six solid innings, allowing just one run on three hits and striking out five, validating Murphy’s gamble.
On the opposite sideline, Craig Counsell, the Cubs’ skipper, stuck with veteran starter Jonathon Gray, who struggled early, surrendering two runs in the first two innings. Counsell’s decision to keep Gray on the mound despite the early deficit proved costly, a point that analysts would dissect in the post‑game shows.
Player performances that defined the night
- Trevor Megill – 6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 5 K, 1 BB.
- Christian Yelich – 2‑B, 1‑RBI, 1‑run saved.
- Michael Busch – 0‑4, 1‑out, but produced a dazzling defensive play in the fourth.
- Ian Happ – 1‑3, 1‑RBI, and a miscommunication that may have cost Chicago a second run.
The night also featured a surprise cameo from rookie James McCarthy, who entered in the ninth and struck out the final batter to seal the win.
Implications and next steps: Who’s next in the NL?
With the series over, the Brewers now await the winner of the NLDS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. The NLCS is slated to begin on October 14, 2025, at 7:05 PM ET. If the Brewers advance, it will mark their first NLCS appearance since 2021, a milestone that could solidify Pat Murphy’s reputation as a tactical innovator.
For Chicago, the loss ends a postseason that featured their highest in‑field hit total since 2019, a stat that will be examined during the off‑season as they contemplate roster tweaks. Craig Counsell, who once managed the Brewers from 2015‑2022, is now faced with the task of rebuilding a squad that fell just short of a World Series berth.
Key facts
- Final score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Date & time: October 11, 2025, 7:08 PM CT
- Location: American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Winning pitcher: Trevor Megill
- Series outcome: Brewers advance to NLCS; Cubs eliminated
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Brewers’ bullpen strategy differ from traditional starters?
Pat Murphy elected to start Trevor Megill directly from the bullpen, treating him as a high‑leverage arm rather than a conventional starter. Megill threw six innings, mixing fastballs up to 95 mph with sharp breaking pitches, and limited Chicago to one run. This approach mirrors a growing MLB trend of using relievers in starter‑like roles during elimination games.
What will the Brewers face in the NLCS?
Milwaukee awaits the winner of the other NLDS matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. The NLCS kicks off on October 14, 2025, with the venue determined by the victor of that series.
How many fans watched the game on television?
National broadcast on Fox Sports peaked at an average of 5.3 million viewers, making it the most‑watched NLDS game of the 2025 postseason. Regional feeds on Marquee Sports Network and NBC Sports Milwaukee added another 1.2 million households combined.
What were the key defensive lapses that cost the Cubs?
Two moments stood out: a mis‑fielded ball by Ian Happ that rolled past second base, allowing a run to score, and a routine fly ball that slipped from the glove of center‑fielder Chris Taylor, leading to an extra base. Both errors shifted momentum in Milwaukee’s favor.
Will any Cubs players be free agents after the season?
Yes. Michael Busch, Ian Happ, and starting pitcher Jonathon Gray are all set to hit free agency on December 2, 2025. Their contracts, performance metrics, and market demand will shape Chicago’s offseason strategy.