Brewers vs Cubs Game 4 at Wrigley: NLDS Photo Highlights

The Chicago Cubs left little doubt about their intentions in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Division Series. They delivered a commanding performance against the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

From Ian Happ’s first-inning blast to Michael Busch’s late insurance homer, the Cubs capitalized on opportunities at every turn. Milwaukee’s offense just couldn’t get much going.

Cubs Make Early Statement with Ian Happ’s Long Ball

The tone of the game changed immediately when Ian Happ launched a three-run homer in the first inning off Brewers starter Freddy Peralta. Happ’s shot brought the Wrigley crowd to life and put Milwaukee on their heels right away.

Peralta showed his frustration after the homer. He managed to steady himself for a short stretch but didn’t stick around much longer.

Peralta’s Early Struggles Prove Costly

The Brewers needed Peralta to be sharp with their season on the line, but Chicago’s hitters attacked from the jump. Those first-inning runs became a deficit Milwaukee never erased.

Peralta just couldn’t stop the Cubs’ momentum. That set the tone for the rest of the day.

Small-Ball Impact from Pete Crow-Armstrong

Power grabs headlines, sure, but Pete Crow-Armstrong’s execution of multiple sacrifice bunts really stood out. His bunts moved runners along and kept Milwaukee’s defense guessing.

The Brewers found themselves making tough decisions as Crow-Armstrong kept the pressure on. Sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most.

Milwaukee’s Missed Opportunities

In the third inning, Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich each put balls in play but couldn’t get anything going. Promising moments for the Brewers fizzled out before they became real threats.

Milwaukee’s offense just couldn’t come through in the clutch. That’s got to sting for fans watching at home.

Brewers Bullpen Tested

By the fifth, manager Pat Murphy turned to his bullpen and called on Aaron Ashby. Ashby had to deal with Crow-Armstrong’s bunting game in the sixth, but Chicago kept finding ways to score.

Carson Kelly crossed the plate when Milwaukee missed a throw home, and the Cubs stretched their lead even further. The Brewers’ defense looked rattled.

Power Surge Continues for Chicago

In the seventh, Kyle Tucker crushed a solo home run off Robert Gasser. That shot just about ended any hopes Milwaukee had for a comeback.

Tucker’s homer showed how Chicago’s lineup mixed patience with timely power. Honestly, it felt inevitable by that point.

Few Bright Spots for Milwaukee

One of the rare highlights for Milwaukee came in the fifth when Sal Frelick doubled. For a brief moment, the Brewers’ dugout perked up.

But without follow-up hits, the rally fizzled. Milwaukee’s offense never found its spark.

Busch Seals the Win

In the eighth, Michael Busch added a solo home run and got a big grin from manager Craig Counsell. At that point, it felt more like a celebration than a necessity.

The Cubs had dictated the game’s pace from the very first inning. Busch’s homer just put an exclamation point on things.

• Ian Happ’s first-inning homer created instant momentum.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong’s sacrifice bunts demonstrated tactical versatility.
• Kyle Tucker and Michael Busch provided insurance runs with solo homers.
• Milwaukee’s offense failed to produce in key moments.
• The Cubs showed poise by combining different offensive approaches.

Looking Ahead

With Game 4 in their pocket, the Cubs have control of the series. They’ll try to carry this formula into the next playoff matchups.

Milwaukee faces a winter full of tough questions about their offense. Consistency and adaptability seem like real concerns for them right now.

For Chicago fans, this win wasn’t just about stats. It was about style and versatility.

The Cubs have shown they can mash home runs and still pull off small-ball tactics in October. That’s a rare mix.

If Chicago wants a real shot at the National League pennant, they’ll need more performances like this. The postseason only gets more intense from here.

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Here is the source article for this story: Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs in 2025 playoffs, Game 4 of their National League Division Series