When William Contreras, catcher for Milwaukee Brewers stepped up in the bottom of the first inning at American Family Field on October 11, 2025, the National League Division Series Game 5 turned into a defining moment against the Chicago Cubs. Contreras launched a solo homer off Cubs starter Drew Pomeranz, putting Milwaukee on the board first and setting the tone for what would become a gritty, winner‑take‑all showdown.
Game Overview
Milwaukee’s Brewers ultimately prevailed 3‑1, sealing a 3‑2 series win and a ticket to the National League Championship Series for the first time since their 2018 run. The early lead held until the seventh inning when shortstop Brice Turang smashed a 416‑foot homer that flew out of the park at an estimated 107 mph exit velocity. That blast stretched the margin to 3‑1 and proved to be the decisive blow.
Chicago’s offense, which had managed just one run, was stymied by a series of miscues, including a costly error by first‑base coach Caleb Durban that left a runner stranded between first and second. The mistake turned a potential rally into a double‑play, and the Cubs never recovered.
Key Offensive Highlights
Contreras, who entered the series batting .313 with a home run and two RBIs, delivered on the promised power early. His first‑inning blast was the second of the series, giving Milwaukee a one‑nothing lead and forcing the Cubs to play from behind for the entire game.
Turang’s seventh‑inning monster was more than just a run‑buster; the 10‑hour swing that produced the shot had been a hallmark of his August surge, where he belted 10 home runs in the regular season. Broadcasters praised the smoothness of his contact, noting that “when he makes contact, the ball doesn’t come out of the air.”
Andrew Vaughn added a solo shot in the fourth inning, providing insurance runs that allowed the bullpen to operate with a cushion.
Bullpen Strategy Pays Off
Milwaukee opted for a classic bullpen game, pulling starter Jacob Misarowski after just two innings. Misarowski, a right‑hander who had been a swing‑man all season, kept the Cubs scoreless in the second frame, setting up the late‑inning specialists.
Closer Abner Uribe sealed the victory in the ninth, retiring the side with two outs before facing Cubs catcher Carson Kelly, who grounded a short‑hop ball to shortstop for the final out. The bullpen’s collective ERA for the night sat at an impressive 0.00 after the fourth inning, a testament to the meticulous game‑plan crafted by manager Craig Counsell.
“Scoring first is important, but in a bullpen game it’s even more important because it lets the manager put the pieces in place,” noted a CBS Sports analyst during the post‑game broadcast.
Reactions and Significance
“The Brewers have got to close it out here,” said CBS’s Matt Snyder moments after the final out, a sentiment echoed by fans waving signs that read “Win it for Bobby Uker.” The victory broke a six‑year drought of NLCS appearances and offered redemption after the 2024 wild‑card loss, when Milwaukee blew a two‑run lead in a winner‑take‑all game.
Chicago’s dugout was noticeably subdued. Veteran outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who made a clean catch in center field earlier, admitted the early homer shifted momentum: “When you’re down 1‑0 in a game like this, you feel the pressure instantly.” The Cubs’ manager, whom we’ll refer to as David Ross, acknowledged the bullpen’s dominance, saying, “Our guys did everything they could, but the Brewers executed better.”
Looking Ahead to the NLCS
Next up for the Brewers is a showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who clinched the National League West with a 102‑win season. The NLCS is slated to begin on October 14, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, and the Brewers will be looking to ride the same bullpen confidence that carried them past Chicago.
Analysts predict a pitching duel, noting that both teams boast sub‑2.50 ERAs in the postseason so far. If Milwaukee can replicate the bullpen depth seen in Game 5, they could force a full seven‑game series, something fans have not witnessed since their 2018 run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Brewers fans?
For Milwaukee supporters, the Game 5 victory ends a six‑year wait for another NLCS appearance, reigniting excitement that spilled onto the streets with celebratory signs and chants. Ticket sales for the upcoming series have already spiked, and local businesses are preparing for a wave of tourism as fans travel to Los Angeles.
What were the key factors behind the Brewers’ bullpen success?
Milwaukee’s strategy hinged on early offense, which let relievers work with a lead, and the versatility of arms like Jacob Misarowski and Abner Uribe. Both pitchers delivered strikeout‑heavy innings, and the depth allowed Craig Counsell to match‑up right‑handed batters with left‑handed relief specialists, minimizing high‑leverage situations.
Who stood out for the Cubs despite the loss?
Seiya Suzuki’s defensive play in center field kept several extra hits off the board, and his later at‑bat produced a solid single that sparked a brief rally. However, the early deficit and the error in the fifth inning limited any momentum his efforts could generate.
What does the upcoming NLCS matchup look like?
The NLCS pits the Brewers, who rely on a deep bullpen and timely power, against a Dodgers squad built around a potent offense and a veteran rotation featuring Clayton Kershaw. Expect close games; the team that can neutralize the other’s strengths—Milwaukee’s pitching or Los Angeles’ bats—will likely take the series.
When does the NLCS start and where will the first game be played?
The National League Championship Series kicks off on October 14, 2025, with Game 1 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The series follows a 2‑3‑2 home‑field format, meaning the Brewers could host Games 4, 5 and potentially Game 7 if it goes the distance.