When Milwaukee Brewers clinched a 3–1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on , the win sent the Brewers to the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2018. The decisive game unfolded at American Family Field before a crowd of 42,743 fans, and it featured a surprise deployment of All‑Star closer Trevor Megill that ignited the final inning.
Game 5 recap: How the Brewers sealed the series
The National League Division Series had reached a winner‑take‑all scenario. After dropping the third and fourth games in Chicago, Milwaukee needed every ounce of momentum. The first run came in the third inning when William Contreras blasted a solo homer to the left‑center field bleachers. The lead held until the sixth, when Andrew Vaughn answered with his own solo shot, this time a towering drive over the left‑field wall.
But the insurance came late. In the eighth, reserve outfielder Brice Turang crushed a go‑ahead homer, pushing the margin to three runs. Five Brewers arms—Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes, Oliver Negri, Aaron Ashby, and the surprise‑used Trevor Megill combined for the final 27 outs.
Trevor Megill’s surprise role
Megill, the Brewers’ 2024 All‑Star closer, missed a month of the regular season with a shoulder strain but returned for the postseason in top form. Instead of the expected ninth‑inning save situation, manager Craig Bashor inserted him in the seventh with a two‑run lead, tasking him with bridging the gap to the late‑inning relievers. Megill retired the side on three ground‑ball outs, then returned for a one‑out strikeout in the ninth to seal the win.
"I told Trevor we’d need him earlier than usual," Bashor said in the post‑game interview. "He trusted his stuff, and it paid off. It’s not often you see a closer do that kind of middle‑relief work in a clincher, but that’s what championship baseball demands."
Series context: From early dominance to a comeback battle
The Brewers opened the series with back‑to‑back home wins, scoring four runs in Game 1 and three in Game 2. The Cubs, led by veteran pitcher Kyle Henderson, rallied in Chicago to take Games 3 and 4, forcing a decisive Game 5 back in Milwaukee. It was the first postseason matchup between the two Interstate 94 rivals, and the heightened regional rivalry made every pitch feel like a city‑wide showdown.
Milwaukee’s victory snapped a dismal streak of six consecutive postseason series losses dating back to 2019. The last series win came in 2018, when the Brewers fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a heartbreaking Game 7 of the NLCS. That 2018 squad was also managed by Craig Counsell, who now wears the Cubs’ cap.
Key performances and statistical highlights
- Attendance: 42,743 fans filled American Family Field.
- Five pitchers combined for a 3.20 ERA across the game.
- Home runs: Contreras (3rd inning), Vaughn (6th), Turang (8th).
- Megill recorded 1⅔ innings pitched with 2 strikeouts and no walks.
- The Brewers outscored the Cubs 22–12 over the five‑game series.
Looking ahead: NLCS matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Brewers now turn their attention to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who secured the NL West crown with a 101‑61 record. Game 1 of the National League Championship Series is slated for Monday at 7:08 p.m. Central Time at American Family Field. Dodgers ace MacKenzie Kerr will open the series, setting up a potential duel with Woodruff.
Former Brewer and 2021 NL MVP Ryan Braun weighed in on the upcoming challenge: "Milwaukee showed resilience in Chicago, and now we have a chance to prove we belong on the other side of the bracket. If the bullpen stays sharp – especially with guys like Megill willing to adapt – we can give the Dodgers a run for their money."
Why this matters for Milwaukee fans
For a city that’s endured a string of early‑round exits, the Brewers’ advance feels like a long‑awaited breath of fresh air. Local businesses are already planning watch‑parties for the NLCS, and ticket sales for the next home game surged by 18% within hours of the Game 5 win. The victory also revives the rivalry narrative: a team once led by Counsell now stands in the opposite dugout, hungry for redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Trevor Megill’s unexpected role change the game’s outcome?
Megill entered in the seventh inning with a two‑run lead, a slot usually reserved for a middle reliever. By shutting down the Cubs’ rally and returning for a clean ninth, he preserved the cushion and prevented the momentum shift that had plagued the Brewers in earlier games.
What does this series win mean for the Brewers' postseason streak?
It ends a six‑year run of series‑level defeats, the longest such stretch in the franchise’s modern era. The win re‑establishes Milwaukee as a legitimate contender and restores confidence among the fan base.
Who were the standout performers for the Brewers in Game 5?
William Contreras, Andrew Vaughn, and Brice Turang each delivered solo home runs. On the mound, Brandon Woodruff tossed six solid innings, while Trevor Megill’s two‑inning spell sealed the deal.
When and where will the NLCS begin?
Game 1 of the National League Championship Series kicks off on Monday, Oct. 14, 2025, at 7:08 p.m. Central Time, at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
What are the key challenges the Brewers face against the Dodgers?
The Dodgers boast a deep lineup and a staff led by ace MacKenzie Kerr. Milwaukee must keep its bullpen flexible, continue producing timely offense, and limit errors that the Dodgers have capitalized on throughout the regular season.