When Craig Counsell, manager of Chicago Cubs watched the final out on October 11, 2025, at American Family Field, a wave of disappointment washed over the clubhouse. The Milwaukee Brewers had just sealed a 3‑1 victory in NLDS Game 5Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ending Chicago’s postseason run and booking a spot in the National League Championship Series. The win mattered not just for the scoreboard; it tipped the balance in a rivalry that’s simmered for two decades.
Background: A rivalry reaching its fifth showdown
Both clubs entered the 2025 playoffs by clinching the top two spots in the National League Central. The Cubs finished a respectable 94‑68, while the Brewers posted a league‑best 97‑65. Historically, these teams have met in the postseason only sparingly, most recently in the 2017 NLDS. This year, the narrative was extra juicy because Counsell—once a Brewer player from 1997‑2006 and later the club’s manager for nine seasons—found himself trying to knock off his former franchise.
The series itself was a roller‑coaster. Chicago stole Game 1 with a late‑inning rally, but Milwaukee answered back, taking Games 2 and 3. The Cubs forced a decisive Game 5 after a clutch win in Game 4, feeding fans hope that the pendulum might finally swing their way.
Game 5 Summary: Home runs did the heavy lifting
From the first pitch, the atmosphere inside American Family Field was electric—fans almost deafened the announcer’s voice with a chorus of cheers and nervous chatter. The Brewers opted for a bold move, sending Trevor May straight from the bullpen to start the game, a decision that signaled they weren’t leaving anything to chance.
Chicago’s lineup remained unchanged from Game 4. Leadoff man Michael Busch struck early, delivering a solo homer in the second inning, his third leadoff blast of the postseason. Yet the Brewers answered back in the fourth with a two‑run shot by Christian Yelich, who had been quiet all night until that moment. That homer proved decisive; the Cubs managed only one run on a solitary RBI single in the seventh.
Behind the plate, the Brewers’ bullpen—anchored by May—kept the Cubs from stringing hits together. Chicago showed why they led the majors in infield hits during the regular season, but a sloppy misplay on a grounder (the infamous “Caleb Duran” error that actually involved Dansby Swanson) gave Yelich an extra base and shifted momentum.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Trevor May (Brewers reliever turned starter) – 4 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 6 strikeouts.
- Christian Yelich – 2‑for‑5, 1 home run, 2 RBIs; his late‑game blast broke the tie.
- Michael Busch – 1‑for‑4, solo homer; continued his postseason power surge.
- Dansby Swanson – error on a ground ball that allowed Yelich to reach third with two outs.
The turning point came right after the Brewers’ fourth‑inning homer. The Cubs attempted a small ball rally, but a miscommunication on the basepaths cost them a potential scoring opportunity—a reminder that even the best regular‑season teams can falter under playoff pressure.
Reactions: Coaches, Players, and Fans
After the final out, Craig Counsell stood on the dugout steps, his voice trembling as he thanked the fans: “I’m disappointed, I’m sad. To lose to the crew I once called home—it hits harder.” The Brewers’ manager, Craig Counsell’s former teammate Bob Melvin, praised his squad’s “aggressive mindset” and highlighted May’s versatility as the “X‑factor.”
Fans gathered outside Wrigley Field, watching the game on big screens. The crowd’s roar at Busch’s homer was matched only by a collective sigh when Yelich’s ball cleared the left‑field wall. Social media lit up with memes of Counsell’s former Brewers cap, underscoring the personal drama woven into the rivalry.
Implications: What the win means for Milwaukee and the NLCS
The Brewers now turn their attention to the NLCS, set to begin on October 14. They will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the Atlanta Braves, both of which have been dominant in their respective divisions. Milwaukee’s ability to adapt—using a reliever as a starter—could foreshadow a flexible pitching strategy against a powerhouse opponent.
For Chicago, the loss caps a season that, despite a strong regular‑season record, ended earlier than fans hoped. Owner Thomas S. Ricketts will likely evaluate the roster in the offseason, especially the infield depth that faltered at a critical moment.
What’s Next: Offseason Outlook
Both clubs will head into the offseason with different agendas. The Brewers, now a NLCS contender, may look to lock down a high‑impact free agent to bolster their lineup—perhaps a left‑handed power bat to complement Yelich. The Cubs, meanwhile, are expected to explore trades for a veteran shortstop to shore up defense and add a reliable middle‑of‑the‑order hitter.
Regardless of the moves, the 2025 NLDS will be remembered as the series where a manager’s personal history added an extra layer of intrigue, and a single home run ultimately decided who moved forward.
Key Facts
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Final Score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Winning Pitcher: Trevor May
- Key Home Run: Christian Yelich (2nd inning, 2‑run shot)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Chicago Cubs’ postseason legacy?
The defeat ends Chicago’s first playoff run since 2020 and its first NLDS appearance since 2017. While the 94‑68 regular‑season record ranks among the franchise’s best in recent years, the early exit underscores lingering gaps—particularly defensive consistency—that will shape offseason roster decisions.
What strategic move gave the Brewers the edge in Game 5?
Deploying reliever Trevor May as an opener disrupted the Cubs’ timing. May’s effective four‑inning stretch limited Chicago’s scoring chances and kept the bullpen fresh for the later innings when the decisive home run came.
Who will the Brewers face in the NLCS?
Milwaukee will square off against the winner of the other NLDS matchup, which pits the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Atlanta Braves. The series is slated to begin on October 14, 2025, with the NLCS champion advancing to the World Series on October 25.
What were the standout performances from the Cubs?
Michael Busch’s leadoff home run continued his postseason power surge, and the Cubs’ infield still produced the league‑leading number of ground‑ball hits during the regular season, showcasing their speed and small‑ball approach despite the loss.
Will Craig Counsell stay with the Cubs after this series?
As of now, Counsell has not announced any plans to leave. The organization’s front office has expressed confidence in his leadership, though the offseason will likely bring discussions about roster upgrades to complement his managerial style.