Brewers advance to NLCS after defeating Cubs in decisive Game 5
- The Brewers won Game 5 of the NL Division Series against the Cubs with a score of 3-1, securing a spot in the NL Championship Series.
- Andrew Vaughn hit a crucial tiebreaking home run in the fourth inning, aiding the Brewers' offense alongside Contreras and Turang.
- The Cubs' inability to score in the first inning in this game marked a significant turning point, ultimately leading to their postseason exit.
In Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Brewers achieved a significant milestone by defeating the Chicago Cubs 3-1 in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, held on Saturday. This victory allowed the Brewers to advance to the National League Championship Series (NLCS), where they will face the Los Angeles Dodgers. Andrew Vaughn's tiebreaking homer in the fourth inning was pivotal, alongside home runs from William Contreras and Brice Turang, ensuring a strong offense. The Brewers, known for battling playoff frustrations in past seasons, showcased an effective all-hands-on-deck pitching approach that helped them clinch this crucial match. Throughout the series, the Cubs initially demonstrated formidable prowess, scoring a notable 11 runs in the first inning across the first four games. However, in Game 5, they failed to replicate this success, and the Milwaukee pitchers effectively restrained their offensive capabilities. This marked an unusual shift as the Cubs did not score in the first inning for the only time in the entire series. Cubs’ manager Craig Counsell acknowledged his team’s struggles to get runners on base, which ultimately led to their exit from the postseason. The Brewers’ victory was particularly sweet for fans as it not only ended a streak of playoff disappointments but occurred against their biggest rival. The game included a sellout crowd, despite a noticeable presence of Cubs supporters, as Milwaukee had previously dominated in their early home games of the series. Nevertheless, the combination of strong hitting and a strategic pitching rotation gave the Brewers an essential edge, helping them secure their first postseason series win since 2018. Following this loss, the Cubs concluded their season with a record of 92-70, marking their first playoff appearance since 2020. Despite the disappointment of elimination, the Cubs celebrated a season crafted with tenacity, ultimately cleaning house after promising performances throughout the regular season. While this loss may sting for the team and its fans, the focus now shifts toward next season and what adjustments might help the Cubs restore their competitive edge.