The Chicago Cubs have pulled off a dramatic turnaround in the NL Division Series. They forced a decisive Game 5 with a commanding 6-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.
Matthew Boyd delivered dominant pitching, while Ian Happ, Kyle Tucker, and Michael Busch each homered. The Cubs erased an 0-2 series deficit to even things up.
Wrigley Field was electric, with 41,770 fans roaring as Chicago flexed both offensive power and bullpen grit. Now, it all comes down to a winner-takes-all showdown in Milwaukee on Saturday.
Cubs Flip the Script with Back-to-Back Wins
Just days ago, the Cubs were staring down elimination. After dropping the first two games of the best-of-five series in Milwaukee, Chicago’s outlook seemed bleak.
Returning home changed everything. The team delivered consecutive victories, outscoring the Brewers 11-0 over Games 3 and 4.
Boyd’s Bounce-Back Performance
Matthew Boyd faced plenty of pressure after struggling in Game 1. This time, he responded with 4 2/3 innings of two-hit ball.
He struck out six and limited walks, showing much sharper command. That stability early on gave the Cubs exactly what they needed.
Once Boyd left, the bullpen took over and locked in. Daniel Palencia, Drew Pomeranz, Brad Keller, and Caleb Thielbar combined for 4 1/3 scoreless frames.
Milwaukee’s offense never found its rhythm. That kind of collective pitching effort is what October baseball is all about.
Power Surge Fuels Chicago’s Offense
The Cubs didn’t just pitch well—they put on a show with the long ball. Three home runs in a postseason game? That swings momentum in a heartbeat.
Ian Happ Leads the Charge
Ian Happ crushed a first-inning three-run homer off Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta. Wrigley went wild.
It was Happ’s third career postseason blast and set the tone for the night. From that moment, Chicago had all the energy.
Kyle Tucker joined in with a solo shot. Michael Busch stayed hot, launching his third homer of the series—his second in as many nights.
Busch’s knack for clutch at-bats has really stood out lately. He’s been a difference-maker.
Milwaukee’s Offensive Woes
While Chicago’s bats came alive, Milwaukee’s offense sputtered. The Brewers managed only three hits Thursday.
Over two games at Wrigley, they’ve gone 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Key hitters just haven’t adjusted to Cubs pitching.
Manager Pat Murphy is searching for answers. The team’s lack of production has become a real concern.
Murphy Calls for Resilience
After the game, Murphy urged his squad to “fight back” as they head home for Game 5. The Brewers know elimination games well, but their stagnant offense looms large.
Sparking some run production is absolutely essential if they want to get past Chicago. Something’s got to give.
What’s at Stake in Game 5
Saturday’s matchup in Milwaukee isn’t just another game. It’s a ticket to the National League Championship Series.
The winner faces the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers, who are already waiting. Both clubs know momentum is everything in October.
Keys to Victory for Each Team
For the Cubs:
- Stay aggressive at the plate, especially early.
- Keep the bullpen sharp—every out matters.
- Take advantage if Milwaukee’s bats stay cold.
For the Brewers:
- Get runners on and actually bring them home.
- Lean on the starter for a deep, steady outing.
- Score early to keep Chicago from grabbing the momentum.
The Bottom Line
From near elimination to the brink of advancing, the Chicago Cubs have shown a kind of resilience that really defines postseason baseball. Boyd bounced back, and the power surge from Happ, Tucker, and Busch kept the momentum going.
The bullpen’s been lights-out, giving them a real shot. Milwaukee, on the other hand, needs to regroup and somehow rediscover the offense that got them here in the first place.
Game 5 in Milwaukee? That one’s loaded with drama and high stakes. Maybe we’ll get a few more unforgettable October moments, too.
All you really know for sure is that somebody’s season ends, and somebody else moves on to face the Dodgers with a pennant still up for grabs.
Here is the source article for this story: Boyd and Happ lead the Cubs past the Brewers 6-0 to send the NLDS to a deciding Game 5
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