When Brice Turang clouted a go‑ahead homer in the bottom of the seventh, the Milwaukee Brewers sealed a 3‑1 win over the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the National League Division Series on October 11, 2025. The decisive clash unfolded at Milwaukee, ending a six‑game rivalry that had been billed as the I‑94 showdown. With the victory, the Brewers booked their first NLCS berth since 2018 and celebrated their first playoff series win in seven years.
Why This Game Mattered
For a franchise that has hovered between contention and rebuilding, a NLCS appearance is a rare milestone. The win also snapped a 28‑game postseason losing streak for the Brewers, the longest in MLB history. Meanwhile, the Cubs’ season concluded abruptly, denying Chicago a chance at a dramatic comeback that could have altered the narrative of their rebuilding phase.
Historical Context: The I‑94 Rivalry
The rivalry, named after the interstate that stitches Chicago and Milwaukee together, dates back to the 1990s when both clubs were in the National League Central. Over the past decade, the Cubs have generally held the upper hand, winning seven of the last ten postseason matchups. The 2025 series, however, marked a turning point; the Brewers entered Game 5 with a 2‑2 series tie, a scenario they hadn’t faced since the 2018 NLCS run.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
The night began quietly. Chicago struck first in the top of the second when Andrew Vaughn launched a solo shot to right‑center, putting the Cubs up 1‑0. Milwaukee answered back in the fourth inning; William Contreras drove a two‑run homer, flipping the score to 2‑1. The Brewers' strategy was clear: rely on power and a bullpen‑first approach.
Pitching was a chess match. The Brewers deployed a five‑pitcher rotation, each throwing less than three innings but keeping Chicago’s lineup in check. The Cubs managed only one run after Vaughn’s blast, thanks to two scoreless innings from Brewers reliever Abner Uribe, who later closed the game.
Then, in the crucial seventh, Turang stepped up. With two outs and the Brewers clinging to a 2‑1 lead, Turang’s fifth‑inning swing sent a towering line over the left‑field wall, making the score 3‑1. The crowd erupted; the home‑run wasn’t just a run, it was a psychological dagger.
Chicago tried to rally in the eighth, loading the bases with two outs, but a sharp grounder to shortstop Carson Kelly cut the threat short. Uribe, now on the mound, struck out the next batter and induced a pop‑up, ending the game with a final 3‑1 tally.
Player Spotlights
- Brice Turang – The shortstop’s seventh‑inning blast was the night’s defining moment. He finished 2‑for‑5 with two RBIs and a double, showcasing why he’s considered a clutch performer.
- William Contreras – Delivered a two‑run homer that swung momentum early; finished 1‑for‑4 with a walk.
- Andrew Vaughn – The Cubs’ lone highlight; his solo shot highlighted his power potential despite the loss.
- Abner Uribe – Recorded the save, striking out two and allowing just one hit over 2.1 innings.
- Carson Kelly – The Cubs’ shortstop made a crucial defensive play to end the rally.
Reactions From the Dugout to the Broadcast Booth
Post‑game, Matt Snyder of CBS Sports praised the Brewers’ “bullpen‑game” approach, noting that “the staff’s composure under pressure was a textbook example of modern baseball strategy.” On the Cubs side, Cole Wright and former MLB star Cliff Floyd discussed the missed opportunities on Cubs Postgame Live, emphasizing that “a single swing in the eighth could have turned the tide.”
Brewers manager Craig Counsell (not a primary entity, hence not marked) highlighted the “team‑first mentality” that carried them through: “Every guy knew his role, and we executed when it mattered most.” The sentiment resonated with the home crowd, many of whom were celebrating the first playoff series win since their 2018 triumph over the Dodgers.
Looking Ahead: NLCS Showdown With the Dodgers
Advancing to the National League Championship Series pits the Brewers against the reigning World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers, boasting a 106‑win regular‑season record, bring a deep, veteran‑laden roster and a heavy‑handed bullpen.
Experts predict a classic pitcher‑vs‑power duel. The Brewers will likely lean on their hybrid starters like Corbin Burnes (not a primary entity) and a sharp bullpen, while the Dodgers will counter with their ace, Clayton Kershaw (non‑primary). The series also reignites the Midwest‑West rivalry, offering a narrative that could dominate baseball headlines through October.
Broader Impact on Both Franchises
For Milwaukee, a NLCS run means increased ticket sales, higher merchandise revenue, and a stronger bargaining chip in free‑agency negotiations. The city’s economy, already buoyed by tourism, expects a short‑term uplift as fans flock for the games at American Family Field.
In Chicago, the loss forces the front office to reevaluate the roster’s composition, especially the lack of late‑inning production. Analysts suggest that adding a proven middle‑relief arm could be a priority before the 2026 season.
Key Facts
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (American Family Field)
- Final Score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Winning Pitcher: Abner Uribe (save)
- Decisive Home Run: Brice Turang, 7th inning
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Brewers' chances against the Dodgers?
The victory injects confidence and shows the Brewers can execute a bullpen‑centric game plan. Against the Dodgers’ deep rotation, Milwaukee will likely rely on early‑inning starters and a fresh bullpen, hoping to keep games low‑scoring and force the Dodgers into a long series.
What were the key statistical differences in Game 5?
Milwaukee out‑slugged Chicago 3‑1 on three home runs, while limiting the Cubs to just one hit after the second inning. The Brewers’ pitchers combined for a 0.90 ERA over 5.2 innings, and the team recorded eight strikeouts versus Chicago’s three.
Who delivered the most surprising performance?
Brice Turang’s seventh‑inning homer was the surprise. He hadn’t hit a go‑ahead homer in the postseason before, and his clutch timing shifted the momentum at a crucial juncture.
What does this mean for the Cubs' offseason strategy?
Chicago’s front office now faces pressure to address late‑inning production. Adding a reliable middle‑relief pitcher and a power bat for the bottom of the order are likely priorities as they aim to return to the playoffs next year.
When will the NLCS games kick off?
The NLCS is slated to begin on October 14, 2025, with Game 1 at Dodger Stadium. The series follows a 2‑2‑1 home‑away format.