When Craig Counsell, manager of Chicago Cubs pulled the strings on Thursday night, the result was a 6‑0 shutout that forced a decisive Game 5 against the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series. The clash unfolded at Wrigley Field on October 9, 2025, and instantly shifted the series from a 2‑1 Brewers lead to a tied‑up showdown that will decide who moves on to the NLCS.
Why the Game mattered: series context and stakes
The Cubs entered Game 4 with a 92‑70 regular‑season record, sitting second in the National League Central, while the Brewers boasted a league‑best 97‑65 mark and a division title. After a 9‑3 drubbing in Game 1 at American Family Field, Chicago needed a spark. Losing Game 2 and dropping Game 3 left the Cubs trailing 2‑1 in the best‑of‑five, making Thursday’s matchup a must‑win to stay alive.
Key players and the game‑changing performances
On the mound, veteran right‑hander Kyle Hendricks delivered six and two‑thirds flawless innings, surrendering just three hits and no runs. He finished with four strikeouts and a single walk, improving his postseason line to 2‑1 with a 2.70 ERA. Behind him, rookie left‑hander Jordan Wicks tossed a clean fifth inning, cementing the shutout.
Offensively, the Cubs leaned on a blend of power and small‑ball. Ian Happ opened the scoring with a solo shot to center, while Nico Hoerner added an RBI double that drove in the second run. Seiya Suzuki capped the onslaught with a two‑run single, pushing the lead to 5‑0 before the fifth inning.
Defensively, Christopher Morel made a headline‑grabbing diving stop at third, and Hayden Wesneski contributed four perfect relief innings, as highlighted in the House of Highlights recap that went viral the following morning.
How the Brewers responded – or didn’t
Milwaukee’s starter, Colin Rea, was tagged for multiple runs early, never finding his rhythm. The Brewers managed just five hits in the entire game, with center‑fielder Jackson Chourio going 1‑for‑4. Even the usually reliable catcher William Contreras was held to a single, a stark contrast to his explosive performance in Game 1.
Reactions from the dugout and the fanbase
After the final out, Counsell praised his pitching staff: “Hayden and Jordan gave us the kind of work we needed. It’s a team effort, and it shows we can play clean baseball when the stakes are this high.” The win ignited Wrigley‑Field fans, many of whom were on the brink of leaving a series that felt like a lost cause after Game 1. Social‑media chatter turned from gloom to optimism, with the hashtag #CubsRise trending within minutes.
On the Brewers side, manager Pat Murphy (the Cubs’ former rival turned manager in 2024) stayed calm, noting, “We’ll regroup in Milwaukee. The series is far from over, and we’ve got a chance to win it on home turf.”
What the win means for the NLDS and beyond
The 6‑0 victory forces a winner‑take‑all Game 5 at Miller Park on October 11, 2025. The winner will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series, slated to begin October 14. For Chicago, this is the first postseason shutout since Game 3 of the 2016 NLDS, a milestone that underscores the pitching depth Counsell has cultivated since arriving in 2023.
Statistically, the Cubs now hold a series‑wide ERA of 2.93, compared with the Brewers’ 5.12. If the trend continues, Chicago’s bullpen could be the decisive factor in a short, high‑pressure Game 5.
Key facts at a glance
- Final score: Cubs 6, Brewers 0
- Winning pitcher: Kyle Hendricks (6.2 IP, 0 ER)
- Series now tied 2‑2; Game 5 set for Oct 11 at Miller Park
- Cubs’ last postseason shutout: 2016 NLDS vs. San Francisco Giants
- Next opponent in NLCS will be either the Dodgers or the Mets
Looking ahead: what to expect in Game 5
Both clubs have a day to adjust. Counsell hinted Thursday night that he may start Jordan Wicks on short rest, banking on his left‑handed angle against the Brewers’ right‑handed heavy lineup. Meanwhile, Murphy is expected to go with Freddy Peralta, who threw a solid Game 1 start and will look to rebound.
Analysts from ESPN and Fox Sports are projecting a low‑scoring affair, given the pitching dominance displayed in Game 4. However, the Cubs’ offense showed they can manufacture runs without big hits, suggesting they might lean on small‑ball tactics—bunts, hit‑and‑runs—to break a tight game.
Historical backdrop: Cubs‑Brewers postseason rivalry
While the two clubs share a division rivalry, postseason matchups are rarer. This 2025 NLDS marks only the third playoff meeting, the previous one occurring in 2015 when the Brewers eliminated the Cubs in the Wild Card Game. The 2025 series revives a competitive edge that has simmered for decades, with both fanbases eager for bragging rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect the Cubs’ chances in the NLCS?
By forcing a Game 5, Chicago stays alive and can ride the momentum of a dominant pitching performance. If they win the next game, they’ll likely face a Dodgers or Mets team that has struggled against strong left‑handed arms, giving the Cubs a tactical edge heading into the NLCS.
What were the key statistical differences in Game 4?
The Cubs limited Milwaukee to five total hits and zero runs, while striking out nine batters. Conversely, Chicago logged 12 hits, five runs, and an ERA of 0.00 for the night—highlighting a 7‑run swing that erased the Brewers’ series lead.
Who are the likely starters for Game 5?
Chicago’s manager has hinted at left‑hander Jordan Wicks taking the mound, while Milwaukee is expected to go with right‑hander Freddy Peralta, who delivered a solid outing in Game 1.
What does this series mean for the Cubs’ young core?
The experience of a high‑pressure win boosts confidence for rising stars like Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner. Their performance under playoff intensity suggests the group could become a perennial contender if they stay healthy.
When and where is Game 5 scheduled?
Game 5 is set for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Miller Park in Milwaukee, with a 7:05 PM Central start time.
