The Chicago Cubs have flipped the script in the National League Division Series, stunning the Milwaukee Brewers with a dramatic 4-3 victory in Game 3 at Wrigley Field. What looked like a potential Brewers sweep has now turned into a tense, must-win Game 4 for both teams, with the Cubs refusing to go quietly in front of a raucous home crowd.
Cubs Rally Behind Early Power and Clutch Pitching
The Cubs wasted no time setting the tone, with Seiya Suzuki launching a three-run homer in the first inning, electrifying the Wrigley faithful and giving Chicago a crucial early lead. Suzuki’s hot streak continues—he’s now hit seven home runs in his last nine games, dating back to the regular season, and has been the Cubs’ offensive engine throughout the postseason.
Nico Hoerner also chipped in with two hits, raising his postseason average to an impressive .368, while the rest of the Cubs’ lineup showed signs of life after struggling in the first two games of the series. Despite some cold bats—Happ, Shaw, and Swanson have all been mired in slumps—the Cubs managed to scratch out just enough offense to hold off the Brewers’ late push.
On the mound, the Cubs’ pitching staff held strong under pressure, with the bullpen locking down the final innings to preserve the narrow lead and keep Chicago’s season alive.
Brewers’ Missed Opportunities and What’s Next
For the Brewers, Game 3 was a story of missed chances. Despite outhitting the Cubs and putting runners in scoring position multiple times, Milwaukee couldn’t deliver the knockout blow. A key moment came in the sixth inning, when a squeeze play backfired and led to a rundown, stalling a potential rally. The Brewers left two runners stranded in scoring position, a costly mistake in a game decided by a single run.
Manager Pat Murphy praised his team’s resilience but acknowledged the challenge ahead: “It’s the group of people in the room that know how to bounce back. That relentless kind of behavior is a separator,” Murphy said before Game 3. Now, the Brewers must regroup quickly to avoid a collapse after taking a 2-0 series lead—a scenario where history is not on their side, as teams up 2-0 in a best-of-five have advanced nearly
89% of the time.
Game 4: All Eyes on Wrigley
Game 4 is set for Thursday night at Wrigley Field, with both teams turning to their aces in a rematch of the series opener. The Brewers will send right-hander Freddy Peralta to the mound, while the Cubs counter with their own top starter, hoping to force a decisive Game 5 back in Milwaukee.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. For the Cubs, it’s another must-win in front of their home fans. For the Brewers, it’s a chance to finally close out their first postseason series victory since 2018—or risk a historic collapse.
What This Means for Fans
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Momentum Shift: The Cubs’ Game 3 win has completely changed the series narrative, injecting new life into the NL Central rivalry.
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Star Performers: Suzuki and Hoerner are carrying the Cubs, while the Brewers need their big bats to step up in the clutch.
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High Drama: With both teams’ seasons on the line, expect every pitch in Game 4 to be packed with tension and playoff intensity.
Baseball fans, buckle up—this Brewers vs. Cubs showdown is shaping up to be an October classic.
Sources
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7. MLB news: Chicago Cubs facing Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of National League Division Series, another must-win at Wrigley Field
8. Michael Busch Did It Again - Another Lead-Off Homer
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10. The 2025 MLB Trade Deadline Action - In all it's frenzied glory
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