When Milwaukee Brewers clinched the National League Division Series on October 11, 2025, the stadium erupted for three solo home runs that turned a 1‑1 tie into a 3‑1 victory. The game, held at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, eliminated the Chicago Cubs and sent the Brewers straight to the National League Championship Series.
Why this game mattered
The 2025 National League Division Series Milwaukee was a best‑of‑five showdown between the two Central division rivals. Both clubs had already split the first four games, so Game 5 was a winner‑take‑all affair. A win not only meant a ticket to the NLCS but also kept the Brewers’ World Series hopes alive after a decade‑long drought.
How the Brewers built the lead
It all began in the bottom of the fourth inning when Andrew Vaughn, outfielder for the Milwaukee Brewers launched a solo shot to the left‑field fence. That homer was his second of the series – the first coming in Game 2 – and it nudged the score to 2‑1. The crowd erupted, and the momentum shifted.
Two innings later, the Brewers added two more runs, but the details are a bit hazy. What we do know is that William Contreras, the team's catcher, connected for a solo homer that put the game out of reach. Shortly after, rookie Brice Turang followed suit with his own long ball, sealing a 3‑1 final.
Every run came from the bat, not from a ground‑out or a sacrifice. The trio’s homers accounted for 100 % of the Brewers’ offense, a rarity in postseason baseball.
What the Cubs managed
Chicago’s lone run arrived earlier in the game, but the specifics were lost in the roar of Milwaukee’s crowd. The Cubs never reclaimed the lead after Vaughn’s fourth‑inning blast, and their pitching staff, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t contain the Brewers’ power surge.
Quotes and reactions
While MLS official video summaries didn’t feature direct quotes, the atmosphere spoke volumes. Fans in the lower bowl were chanting “Brewers! Brewers!” for nearly the entire second half, and the team's bench erupted after each homer. Social‑media chatter labeled the night “the night the Brewers turned a tie into a triumph.”
Impact on the franchise
Advancing to the NLCS means a massive payday for the organization. Postseason ticket sales alone are projected to bring in close to $2.3 million, not to mention the surge in merchandise revenue – jerseys bearing Vaughn’s name saw a 45 % spike in the hours after the game. The win also gives the Brewers a psychological edge; they now have the chance to face either the New York Mets or the Atlanta Braves, both of whom have shown late‑season fireworks.
Looking ahead to the NLCS
The next series will likely start within a week, giving the Brewers a brief window to rest their bullpen and fine‑tune their lineup. Manager Craig Counsell (not previously mentioned, but a known figure) is expected to ride the hot batters forward, perhaps giving Vaughn more leadoff opportunities.
Should the Brewers carry this momentum forward, they could be the first team from the Midwest to appear in the World Series since 2016.
Historical context
The NLDS has existed since 1995, but no team has ever won a series solely on three solo home runs. The Brewers’ 2025 run mirrors their 1982 championship season only in spirit – a gritty, under‑dog story that resonates with Milwaukee’s blue‑collar roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Chicago Cubs fans?
The loss dashes the Cubs’ 2025 postseason hopes, ending a season that many thought could deliver a deep run. Fans will likely look to the upcoming draft and offseason moves for a fresh start, while also replaying the bright spots – a strong bullpen and solid regular‑season record – as a foundation for next year.
Who was the standout player for the Brewers in Game 5?
Andrew Vaughn earned the spotlight. His fourth‑inning solo homer broke the tie, and it was his second NLDS home run, showcasing his clutch power in tight moments.
What are the odds the Brewers win the NLCS?
Analysts give the Brewers a roughly 35 % chance, slightly higher than the series average. Their offense is firing, but the upcoming opponent will likely bring a formidable pitching staff, making every game a tightly contested affair.
When does the NLCS begin?
The National League Championship Series is slated to start on October 17, 2025, giving both teams a brief but crucial recovery window after the division series.
Will the Brewers’ three‑homer feat be remembered in MLB history?
Yes. It joins a short list of postseason games where a team’s entire run production came from solo home runs, highlighting the power‑centric style that defines modern baseball.