Brewers Storm Back 7-3 to Lead NLDS 2-0 Over Cubs
When Andrew Vaughn, outfielder of the Milwaukee Brewers launched a three‑run blast in the bottom of the first inning on October 6, 2025, the game at American Family Field swung from a 3‑0 deficit to an all‑time tied affair. The Cubs had burst out of the gates with a three‑run homer from Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs, but Milwaukee answered back with a night‑of‑power that left fans at the stadium shouting for the fourth time in a row.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
Opening the scoring, Suzuki’s 423‑foot shot in the top of the first sent Kyle Tucker and Nico Hoerner sprinting home, giving Chicago a 3‑0 lead. The Brewers, however, refused to stare at the scoreboard. Vaughn’s retaliation came just moments later – a 380‑foot drive that cleared the left‑field wall, pulling Christian Yelich and William Contreras home for a 3‑3 tie.
The momentum shifted in the third when Contreras, the team’s stalwart catcher, launched a solo shot, nudging the Brewers ahead 4‑3. By the fourth, Jackson Chourio, another outfielder, slammed a three‑run homer to center, driving in Joey Ortiz and Caleb Durbin. The final line read 7‑3, a score that still felt fresh as the night fell.
Key Performances and Pitching Duel
On the mound, Chicago’s starter Shota Imanaga struggled to find his groove, surrendering eight runs in 2 ⅔ innings. He never recovered, leaving the Cubs’ bullpen to mop up the remainder of the damage.
For Milwaukee, reliever Andrew Misiorowski (yes, that’s his last name) turned the tide. Over three innings he yielded just one hit, struck out four, and walked none – a textbook showcasing of late‑game stamina that bought the offense the runway it needed.
Coach Pat Murphy’s Take
“We’ve got a good collection of guys that are happy they’re in the big leagues,” Pat Murphy, the Brewers’ manager, said in the post‑game press conference. “I call them ‘cliffhangers’ – guys that don’t know if their locker is going to be there when they get back. That hunger makes us look like we know what we’re doing. It’s pretty cool.”
Murphy’s quirky analogy aside, the message was clear: stay hungry, stay focused. The Brewers have taken a commanding 2‑0 edge in the best‑of‑five series, meaning just one more win sends them to the NLCS – a stage they haven’t visited since their 2018 run.
Historical Context: The Weight of a 2‑0 Lead
Statistically, a 2‑0 advantage is a near‑certainty in a five‑game series. Since the inception of the modern best‑of‑five format in 1995, teams up 2‑0 have gone on to win the series 80 out of 90 times, with a whopping 54 sweeps. Milwaukee now sits squarely in that high‑probability pool.
For the Cubs, it’s a familiar nightmare. Their last series loss after leading 2‑0 came back in 2020 against the San Diego Padres. The pattern suggests that the odds are heavily stacked against them, especially with a pitching staff that looks shaky after Imanaga’s early exit.
What This Means for the Teams
Should the Brewers clinch Game 3 at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, they’ll become the first NL team since the 2019 Washington Nationals to win the NLDS in three straight games. That would not only boost the franchise’s morale but also ignite a city‑wide celebration – Milwaukee loves its baseball, and the Riverwalk would likely see a flood of fans.
The Cubs, meanwhile, must regroup fast. With the series now shifting to Wrigley Field, the home‑field advantage could spark a comeback, but it will require a dominant pitching performance and perhaps a timely hit from Suzuki again.
Looking Ahead: Game 3 Preview
Wednesday’s contest promises a showdown between Chicago’s veteran left‑hander Kyle Hendricks and Milwaukee’s ace Corbin Burnes. If Burnes repeats his 2023 postseason form, the Cubs could be in trouble.
Analysts at ESPN predict a low‑scoring affair, noting that the Brewers’ bullpen, fresh from Misiorowski’s gem, will likely shut down any late‑inning surge. Meanwhile, the Cubs might lean on their offensive spark plug, Suzuki, hoping he can repeat his early heroics.
Key Facts
- Final score: Brewers 7, Cubs 3.
- Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio each hit three‑run home runs.
- William Contreras added a solo homer for Milwaukee.
- Shota Imanaga (Cubs) lasted 2 ⅔ innings, allowing eight runs.
- Milwaukee leads series 2‑0; historically, teams with that lead win 89% of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers' 2‑0 lead affect their chances of reaching the NLCS?
Historically, teams that go up 2‑0 in a best‑of‑five series win about 89% of the time. For Milwaukee, a win in Game 3 would clinch the NLDS, sending them to the NLCS for the first time since 2018.
Who were the standout performers for the Brewers in Game 2?
Andrew Vaughn’s three‑run homer and clutch defensive play at first base, Jackson Chourio’s three‑run blast, and William Contreras’ solo home run were key. Reliever Andrew Misiorowski also shone, allowing just one hit over three innings.
What challenges does the Cubs face heading into Game 3?
Chicago must bounce back from a shaky start by Shota Imanaga, tighten its pitching after giving up eight runs, and rely on timely hitting – likely from Seiya Suzuki – to stay alive in the series.
When and where will Game 3 be played?
Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
How did the Brewers' bullpen contribute to the victory?
After the early innings, the bullpen, led by Andrew Misiorowski, held the Cubs scoreless. Their three‑inning, one‑hit stretch preserved the lead and kept Chicago’s offense at bay.
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