By Harshit | October 12, 2025 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 6:45 AM CDT
A Historic Night in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Brewers have done what their fans have been waiting for years: they finally conquered the Chicago Cubs in a winner-take-all postseason showdown. In a thrilling Game 5 of the National League Division Series, the Brewers emerged victorious 3-1 at American Family Field, earning a spot in the National League Championship Series for the first time since 2018. Their opponent: the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, who will visit Milwaukee starting Monday night.
The significance of this win extended far beyond advancing in the playoffs. For a franchise that had never recorded a season with more wins than the 2025 team, defeating their long-time rivals was almost a rite of passage. Fans lingered in the stands long after the final out, refusing to leave, hoarse from cheering, taking photos, and reveling in one of the most euphoric nights in franchise history.
Slaying the Dragon
The Brewers’ path to glory in Game 5 was marked by precision and patience. The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Andrew Vaughn, who had spent much of June in the minor leagues with the White Sox, stepped up and delivered the go-ahead home run. Vaughn’s blast not only put Milwaukee on top but also galvanized the crowd and his teammates, giving the Brewers momentum to hold off a late Cubs rally.
“I bet you could have robbed a bank in Wisconsin tonight because everyone’s watching the game,” Brewers GM Matt Arnold said. “Everyone cares so much about the Brewers in this state, there’s so much pride. Look around, it’s like family here, and celebrating with your family makes it that much special.”
Emotions Run High
Former Brewers great Ryan Braun, reflecting on the night, described the game as “almost like we had to win this because of the lack of postseason success the last handful of years. It felt meaningful. Like getting a big monkey off the back of the organization.”
The celebration was intense and spontaneous. After the final out, the team posed for a photo on the field, then someone produced a white flag marked with the letter “L,” a cheeky nod to Cubs fans who had long celebrated victories over Milwaukee. The Brewers waved it triumphantly, a symbolic victory in a rivalry that dates back decades.
Even owner Mark Attanasio, drenched in champagne and elation, admitted that losing to the Cubs would have left a void in the fanbase. “It would have been such an empty feeling,” he said. “But winning, beating the Cubs, cements that this is a special season for us.”
Attanasio had spoken to former commissioner and Brewers owner Bud Selig earlier in the day, who reassured him that the season was remarkable regardless of the outcome. But Attanasio, like the fans, felt this win was essential. “It’s going to be hard to feel that way until we win. Our fans would have thought this was just another season where we couldn’t get out of the first round. And to lose to the Cubs, that would be tough for our fans to handle.”
Looking Ahead: NLCS vs. Dodgers
While the Brewers’ season is far from over, they can savor this victory. They enter the NLCS with momentum, confidence, and a reminder of what makes them special: a combination of talented young players, experienced leadership, and a fanbase that lives and breathes every pitch.
Milwaukee’s pitching staff held the Cubs to just one run, while timely hitting and smart baserunning made all the difference. The sense of unity among players, coaches, and fans alike was palpable throughout the night, underscoring why this franchise is beloved across the state.
“It’s a night that will be remembered for generations,” Attanasio said. “Even if we get wiped out by the Dodgers, this moment is ours to treasure forever.”
The Brewers proved that resilience, talent, and heart can overcome even the fiercest rivalries. With the NLCS looming, the team and its fans will now dream of reaching the pinnacle of baseball, but tonight, Milwaukee celebrated the joy of finally conquering the Cubs.
