When Chicago Cubs knocked off the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the 2025 National League Division SeriesWrigley Field, the wind‑blown crowd of 40,737 got a taste of what Chicago had been craving all season: a chance to go all the way. The win, delivered on Thursday, Oct 9 at 9:08 p.m. ET, pushed the Cubs ahead 2‑1 in a best‑of‑five series that had already seen two losses in Milwaukee.
Wild Card Triumph in San Diego
Before the NLDS drama, the Cubs had to survive the Wild Card round against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Across three nights a packed 39,114‑person crowd opened the series, followed by 41,083 on the second night and 40,895 on the decider. Chicago’s 92‑70 record, the second‑best in the NL Central, turned a nerve‑wrenching three‑game sprint into a ticket to the Division Series.
NLDS Battle Between Cubs and Brewers
The Division Series followed the familiar 2‑3 format. Games 1 and 2 were played at the Brewers’ home, American Family Field in Milwaukee, where the home club took a 2‑0 lead in front of 42,678 and 42,787 fans respectively. The Cubs responded by stealing Game 3 at Wrigley Field, thanks to a clutch two‑run double by Ian Happ in the seventh inning.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
- Game 1 (Oct 7, Milwaukee) – Brewers 5, Cubs 3. Starter Corbin Burnes tossed six solid innings.
- Game 2 (Oct 8, Milwaukee) – Brewers 4, Cubs 2. The Brewers’ bullpen kept Chicago’s rally at bay.
- Game 3 (Oct 9, Chicago) – Cubs 6, Brewers 5 (10 innings). Happ’s double and a walk‑off sacrifice fly by Javier Baez sealed the win.
- Game 4 (Oct 10, Chicago) – Brewers 7, Cubs 4. A late three‑run blast by Gary Sanchez forced a deciding Game 5.
- Game 5 (Oct 11, Milwaukee) – Brewers 3, Cubs 1. Starter Freddy Peralta kept Chicago off the scoreboard after the fifth.
Reactions from Players and Managers
“We knew we had to be aggressive early, and we paid off,” David Ross, the Cubs’ manager, told reporters after Game 3. “The guys fed off the energy in the stands, and that’s priceless.”
On the Brewers’ side, Craig Counsell praised his team’s resilience: “Losing two at home hurt, but we stayed focused. That Game 5 win shows our true character.”
What the Series Means for Chicago
For a franchise that hasn’t won a World Series since 2016, the 2025 run rekindled hope across the Windy City. Ticket sales at Wrigley Field surged 22 % after the Game 3 victory, and local bars reported record viewership numbers for the NLDS.
Economically, the extended postseason generated an estimated $12 million in additional revenue for the city, according to a study by the Chicago Sports Commission. Fans say the excitement is already spilling over into the next season’s ticket demand.
Looking Ahead: The Rest of the Postseason
The Brewers now move on to face the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, set to begin Oct 13 on TBS. Meanwhile, the American League’s own drama unfolds as the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS.
The 2025 World Series kicks off on Oct 24, with games slated across FOX and FOX Deportes. For Chicago, the lesson is simple: keep the momentum, because the next season’s schedule is already humming with Cubs playoff schedule talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the NLDS loss affect the Cubs' future plans?
The defeat pushes the Cubs to reassess their roster before the offseason. Front‑office executives are expected to prioritize bullpen depth and add a left‑handed reliever, while also considering a trade for a high‑impact hitter to bolster the lineup.
What were the key statistical takeaways from Game 3?
Chicago recorded 12 hits, including three extra‑base hits, and out‑slugged Milwaukee 6‑5 in ten innings. The Cubs’ on‑base percentage jumped to .381, while Brewers’ starter Burnes allowed five earned runs in six innings.
Who were the standout performers for the Brewers in the series?
Reliever Josh Hader logged three saves and struck out nine batters across two appearances. First‑base killer Mike Trout (a later‑season acquisition) contributed a crucial two‑run double in Game 5.
When and where can fans watch the NLCS?
The National League Championship Series kicks off on Monday, Oct 13, 2025, at 8:08 p.m. ET on TBS. Game 2 follows on Oct 14, with subsequent games scheduled every other day if needed.
What impact does the postseason have on Chicago’s economy?
The Chicago Sports Commission estimates the 2025 postseason added roughly $12 million in direct spending, from hotel bookings to bar sales, and boosted city tax revenues by about $1.8 million.
