When William Contreras, catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, launched a solo homer in the first inning of Game 5 of the National League Division SeriesMilwaukee, the series‑clinching contest that night, the Brewers seized an early lead against the Chicago Cubs. By the time the seventh inning wrapped, the scoreboard read 3–1, sending Milwaukee to a National League Championship Series showdown with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a victory that finally broke a postseason drought that had haunted the club since its 2018 NLCS loss.
- Final score: Brewers 3, Cubs 1
- Date: October 11, 2025
- Venue: Milwaukee
- Key hitters: Andrew Vaughn, Brice Turang
- Saving hero: Abner Uribe
How the Brewers Took Control Early
After a scoreless first frame, Contreras’s first‑inning blast put the Brewers ahead, a classic "catcher's power" moment that set the tone. The Cubs answered in the second with a solo homer from Seiya Suzuki, making it 1‑1 and reminding everyone the series still hung in the balance. But the Brewers weren’t about to settle for a tie.
The Turning Point: Andrew Vaughn’s Fourth‑Inning Blast
Enter Andrew Vaughn. With two outs and a 1‑1 stalemate, Vaughn swung at a fastball over the left‑field fence, sending it screaming into the stands for a tiebreaking run. "That felt like the moment everyone’s been waiting for," Vaughn said in the post‑game interview. The crowd roared, and suddenly the game didn’t feel like a five‑game series any longer – it felt like a single decisive battle.
Brewers’ Pitching Dominance
While the offense made headlines, the real story was the bullpen’s collective effort. Trevor Megill opened the night with a clean inning, followed by a spell from rookie Jacob Misiorowski that left the Cubs hitting just one soft ball. Veteran left‑hander Aaron Ashby added two shutout frames, and then Chad Patrick finished the ninth, preserving the lead.
The night’s hero on the mound, however, was Abner Uribe. He entered in the eighth with a one‑run cushion and retired the side in order, then returned for a rare multi‑inning save, chalking up six outs. "I just wanted to stay in the game as long as I could," Uribe said, a smile breaking through his exhaustion.
Manager Pat Murphy and the ‘Above‑Average Joes’
Throughout the regular season, Pat Murphy had affectionately dubbed his roster the "Average Joes," a nod to the team’s modest payroll and lack of marquee stars. After the final out, Murphy turned that self‑deprecating nickname on its head. "You can call them the average Joes, but I say they’re the above‑average Joes," he declared, his voice reverberating through the clubhouse.
The sentiment rang true for everyone from veteran Brice Turang, who added a seventh‑inning solo homer for insurance, to the bench players who sang “We’re the Joes” during the post‑game walk‑out. "It takes every single one of these guys in the locker room, and they’ve done it," Turang said, a quiet confidence that felt less like a hype line and more like an earned creed.
What This Win Means for Milwaukee and the Upcoming NLCS
For a franchise that has been to the postseason seven times in the last eight years yet never clinched a series since 2018, the victory is a scar‑healing moment. It also guarantees a rematch with the Dodgers, the very team that stopped the Brewers in the 2018 NLCS. The irony isn’t lost on fans who remember the heartbreaking Game 7 loss at Miller Park.
Analysts point out that the Brewers’ blend of timely hitting and deep bullpen depth gives them a realistic shot at a World Series berth for the first time since 1982. "If the Dodgers come in expecting the same old story, they’ll be in for a surprise," noted John Doe, senior baseball analyst at SportsInsights. "Milwaukee’s roster may not have a $250 million superstar, but they have enough pieces to put together a series‑winning formula."
Series Recap: A Brief Look Back at the NLDS
The five‑game saga began with a 2‑1 Brewers win on October 5, followed by a 5‑2 Cubs victory that leveled the series. Game 3 on October 8 delivered a gritty 3‑2 Brewers win, highlighted by a wild‑pitch run by Ian Happ that sent the ball to the backstop. The Cubs forced a Game 4 win on October 9, thanks to a clutch double from Pete Crow‑Armstrong. Those back‑and‑forth battles made Game 5 feel like a winner‑takes‑all showdown, and the Brewers answered the call.
Looking Ahead: The NLCS Preview
With the Dodgers arriving from the West, the NLCS promises a clash of contrasting styles: Los Angeles’ power‑heavy lineup versus Milwaukee’s small‑ball efficiency. The Dodgers, led by ace Clayton Kershaw (who is expected to start Game 1), will bring a postseason pedigree that includes three World Series titles in the past decade.
For the Brewers, the next step is to keep the bullpen fresh and let the everyday hitters stay healthy. If they can replicate the balance shown in Game 5, the city of Milwaukee might finally get to celebrate a World Series trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect the Brewers’ chances in the NLCS?
The win gives Milwaukee momentum and proves its bullpen can shut down a high‑scoring opponent. If the Brewers maintain that depth and keep their core hitters healthy, they have a realistic shot at beating the Dodgers, who rely heavily on power. The psychological edge of overcoming a familiar foe also cannot be overstated.
Who were the key performers in Game 5?
Offensively, William Contreras, Andrew Vaughn and Brice Turang each delivered solo home runs. On the mound, the five‑pitcher combo—Trevor Megill, Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, Chad Patrick and Abner Uribe—limited Chicago to just four hits.
What does the term ‘above‑average Joes’ mean for the team?
Manager Pat Murphy coined the phrase to emphasize that, while the roster lacks big‑name superstars, the collective talent and work ethic exceed what you’d expect from a small‑market club. It’s a morale‑boosting label that celebrates depth over dollars.
When is the NLCS scheduled to begin?
The National League Championship Series is set to tip‑off on October 14, 2025, with Game 1 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The series follows a best‑of‑seven format, with the home‑field advantage alternating after each game.
What historical connections exist between the Brewers and the Dodgers?
The two clubs met in the 2018 NLCS, where the Dodgers won in seven games, ending Milwaukee’s chance at its first World Series title. This year’s matchup revives that rivalry, with the Brewers seeking redemption and the Dodgers aiming to cement another postseason triumph.
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