When Pete Crow-Armstrong launched a two‑run single in the first inning, Chicago Cubs turned a 1‑0 deficit into a 4‑1 lead and ultimately held on for a 4‑3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field on National League Division Series. The victory kept Chicago alive in the best‑of‑five series and denied Milwaukee a sweep.
Early Explosive First Inning
The opening frame was a textbook example of a must‑win start. After a sacrifice fly by Sal Frelick that let Christian Yelich score, the Cubs answered with a 377‑foot solo blast from Michael Busch to right‑center, knotting the game at 1‑1. Crow‑Armstrong then singled to right, plating Nico Hoerner and Kyle Tucker while Ian Happ sprinted to third. A wild pitch from Brewers pitcher Bryce Mears sent Happ home, and Crow‑Armstrong’s own steal of second stretched the lead to 4‑1.
"We knew the game was on the line, so we went all‑out from the first pitch," Crow‑Armstrong said after the game. "That’s the kind of start you want in a do‑or‑die situation."
Mid‑Game Defensive Highlights
Both clubs played error‑free baseball, but a handful of split‑second decisions tilted the balance. In the third inning, Matt Shaw chased down a daring hit‑and‑run by Brewers rookie Jace Durham. After a rundown that saw the ball snap from catcher to shortstop, Shaw’s relay to first sealed the third out, quashing a potential rally.
Later, a grounder to Dansby Swanson in the fifth inning was scooped cleanly, and his throw to second completed a double play that iced the Brewers’ last scoring chance. Second baseman Matt Terang also turned a backhanded stop on a ball up the middle and fired to first in a heartbeat, keeping the Cubs’ defense humming.
Brewers' Injury Woes and Pitching Rotations
Milwaukee entered the night with a depleted rotation. Veteran left‑hander Logan Henderson was on the 60‑day IL, while ace Brandon Woodruff was listed OUT until at least October 13. The starters who did take the mound were forced into unfamiliar roles, and the bullpen, already thin after the previous two games, struggled to find consistency.
"We’re playing a lot of chess with our arms right now," Brewers pitching coach Josh Hader admitted. "The guys are ready, but the depth just isn’t there."
Key Performances and Statistical Breakdown
- Crow‑Armstrong: 1‑3, 2‑RBI single, 1‑SB, 1.12 WAR (post‑season)
- Busch: 1‑4, solo HR (377 ft), .250 avg.
- Shaw: 2‑5, 2 assists, 1.5 UCL (outfield) runs saved
- Brewers: 2 hits in the first inning, 3 total hits, 0 errors
- Cubs: 4 hits in the first inning, 7 total hits, 0 errors
The Cubs’ pitching staff limited Milwaukee to just three runs on seven hits. Reliever Brock Burke closed out the ninth with two strikeouts, preserving the narrow margin.
Implications for the Series and What's Next
With the series now tied 1‑1, the next two games shift to Milwaukee. The Brewers will hope to rebound from the early deficit, but they must also navigate the lingering injuries that have already forced them to adjust the rotation.
For the Cubs, the win proves they can generate offense in a flash and lean on their defense when the pressure mounts. As analyst Jenna Morales of ESPN noted, "Chicago’s ability to produce a four‑run first inning in a winner‑take‑all game shows they’re not just surviving – they’re fighting back. If they can keep the pressure on Milwaukee’s bullpen, this series could go the distance."
Background: Cubs–Brewers Playoff History
The two Midwestern clubs have met three times in the postseason before 2025, with the Cubs winning two of those series. The most recent encounter, in the 2022 NLDS, saw Chicago sweep Milwaukee in three games, a memory that still fuels the Brewers’ desire for redemption.
Historically, both franchises have struggled to break through the National League’s dominant teams. The 2025 series, however, marks a rare moment where a lower‑seeded club (the Cubs) can still upset a division winner (the Brewers) by capitalizing on timely hitting and clutch defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Cubs’ chances in the NLDS?
The victory evens the series at 1‑1, giving Chicago home‑field advantage for at least one more game. It also restores confidence after dropping the first two games, meaning the Cubs can now play with less pressure and focus on leveraging their strong first‑inning offense.
What injuries are hampering the Brewers and how might they impact future games?
Milwaukee is without starter Logan Henderson (60‑day IL) and ace Brandon Woodruff (OUT until Oct 13). Their absence forces the Brewers to rely on less experienced arms, increasing the risk of late‑inning runs. If the injuries persist, the bullpen could be overtaxed in the next two games.
Who were the standout performers for Chicago and why?
Pete Crow‑Armstrong’s two‑run single kicked the engine, while Michael Busch’s 377‑foot homer set the tone. Defensively, Matt Shaw’s hustle plays and Dansby Swanson’s steady glove kept the Brewers from mounting momentum.
What does this game tell us about the Brewers’ offensive approach?
Milwaukee struggled to generate hits early, managing only two through the first inning and none thereafter. Their reliance on small‑ball tactics like sacrifice flies didn’t pay off, suggesting they need a stronger third‑batter breakout to stay competitive.
When and where is Game 4 scheduled?
Game 4 is set for October 10, 2025, at Milwaukee’s American Family Field. The Brewers will look to even the series again, while the Cubs aim to capitalize on home‑field momentum gained from this win.
