Brewers Beat Cubs, Advance to NLCS Clash with Dodgers

The Milwaukee Brewers punched their ticket to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) with a gutsy 3–1 victory over the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the Division Series. Powered by three solo homers and a sharp bullpen plan, the Brewers finally ended a six-year wait for postseason series success.

This win hits especially hard for Milwaukee fans. Not only did it snap years of playoff frustration, but it also came at the expense of their fiercest rivals—now managed by Craig Counsell, the winningest manager in Brewers history, who’s suddenly sitting in the Cubs’ dugout.

Milwaukee’s Power Surge Fuels Game 5 Triumph

Runs were tough to come by in this one, so the Brewers leaned on the long ball. Andrew Vaughn’s tiebreaking blast in the fourth inning set the tone.

William Contreras and Brice Turang each added solo shots, keeping the Cubs at arm’s length. Those clutch homers didn’t just put runs on the board—they lit up the home crowd inside American Family Field.

Cubs’ Brief Spark Fizzles Out

Chicago did have an early moment of hope. Seiya Suzuki delivered a solo homer in the second inning, and for a moment, Milwaukee fans went quiet as the Cubs grabbed the lead.

But the offense sputtered after that. The Brewers’ relentless pitching approach smothered Chicago’s momentum, and the Cubs never really threatened again.

Pitching by Committee: Brewers’ Winning Formula

Milwaukee didn’t go with a traditional starter. Instead, manager Pat Murphy rolled out a bullpen-heavy strategy—a gutsy call that worked out.

Five different arms took the mound, each with a job to do, and together they held the Cubs to just four hits.

• Trevor Megill set the early tone with crisp innings to start things off.
• Jacob Misiorowski, the rookie sensation, threw four innings of one-run ball and picked up his second win of the series.
• Aaron Ashby and Chad Patrick handled the middle, keeping Chicago chasing.
• Abner Uribe slammed the door shut late, showing real dominance.

Misiorowski’s Breakout Series

Misiorowski’s performance really stood out. The 23-year-old attacked hitters with confidence and precision, looking way more seasoned than his age.

In a pressure-packed spot, he managed to contain a tough Cubs lineup. That might’ve been one of the biggest reasons Milwaukee moved on.

The Rivalry Factor: Counsell’s Return Adds Fuel

If the Brewers needed extra motivation, facing Craig Counsell definitely provided it. The former Milwaukee skipper, now leading the Cubs, got showered with loud, lingering boos from the home crowd.

Fans saw this series as more than just a playoff battle—it felt personal. Counsell had guided their team for years before jumping ship to a rival, and nobody forgot.

Eliminating the Cubs Hits Different

For Brewers Nation, sending the Cubs home in October just hits different. Chicago clawed back from a 2–0 series hole to force Game 5, but Milwaukee fans finally got the ending they wanted.

They got to celebrate a win while their rivals packed up for the offseason. That’s about as sweet as it gets in baseball.

Looking Ahead: Dodgers Rematch in NLCS

This victory sets up a juicy NLCS rematch with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Back in 2018, Milwaukee fell just short of a World Series trip against these guys.

With Game 1 coming Monday night in Milwaukee, the Brewers have a shot to flip the script and keep chasing that first-ever championship. Who knows—maybe this is finally the year.

Keys to the Upcoming Series

To get past the Dodgers, Milwaukee needs to stick with what worked against the Cubs. Timely home runs, a flexible pitching staff, and a home crowd that turns American Family Field into a wild, electric place—those are the ingredients.

Momentum’s on their side now. The Brewers look eager to take on baseball’s best and see how they measure up.

This Game 5 win isn’t just another notch in their postseason belt. For a team that’s felt playoff heartbreak before, it means a lot more.

The Brewers handled pressure, quieted their rivals, and didn’t shy away from the big moment. Now, it’s all about the Dodgers, and Milwaukee’s hoping to keep this October run alive.

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Here is the source article for this story: Milwaukee Brewers edge Cubs to advance to NLCS showdown with Dodgers