In a commanding performance at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 6-0 on Oct. 9, evening their National League Division Series matchup and setting the stage for a decisive Game 5 in Milwaukee. After dropping the first two games in the series at American Family Field, the Cubs have demonstrated resilience, refusing to let their season end quietly.
The Cubs wasted no time asserting dominance. Ian Happ’s explosive three-run homer in the very first inning gave Chicago an early 3-0 advantage, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Despite several opportunities for the Brewers to claw back into contention, the Cubs steadily added insurance runs over the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings, ultimately putting the game out of reach and leaving the Brewers stunned.
The victory also marks a significant comeback narrative, as only seven teams in the wild card era, which began in 1995, have successfully recovered from a 2-0 deficit to win a division series. The most recent example occurred in 2017, when the New York Yankees accomplished the feat. With Game 5 looming, Chicago is now poised to attempt a rare and challenging comeback against their NL Central rivals.
Key Moments That Defined Game 4
The game featured several pivotal moments that tilted the momentum in the Cubs’ favor. Early drama came when Cubs catcher Carson Kelly belted a ball down the left field line that initially appeared to be a two-run home run. After review, it was ruled foul, narrowly missing the foul pole. Kelly returned to the plate and ultimately grounded out, but the moment illustrated Chicago’s aggressive start.
Later, Kyle Tucker, who recently joined the Cubs via trade, launched a solo homer off new Brewers pitcher Robert Gasser in the seventh inning, extending the Cubs’ lead to 5-0. Tucker, a free agent at season’s end, continues to make waves, and this performance will likely further elevate his value in the upcoming offseason market.
Chicago added another run in the eighth inning when Matt Shaw delivered an RBI single following an error by the Brewers and a walk by Aaron Ashby. While the Brewers managed to prevent additional damage through solid relief pitching by Ashby and Chad Patrick, the Cubs had already established a comfortable margin.
The Cubs also faced moments of tension, including a near-opportunity to blow the game wide open in the fifth inning. Aaron Ashby replaced Trevor Megill with runners on first and second and a loaded base scenario, but struck out Seiya Suzuki and induced a flyout from Ian Happ to leave the bases full. Earlier, Cubs starter Matthew Boyd navigated his own challenges in the fifth, allowing doubles and walks but ultimately escaping the inning unscathed. Boyd finished his outing with 4.2 innings pitched, six strikeouts, and three walks, providing a strong foundation for Chicago’s pitching staff.
Brewers’ Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Despite entering Game 4 with a 2-1 series lead, the Brewers were unable to sustain momentum at Wrigley Field. Starter Freddy Peralta found himself in trouble early, surrendering hits and walks in the second inning, though he managed to escape the inning without conceding a run. However, Peralta struggled to contain the Cubs’ offense, particularly Ian Happ, whose first-inning home run set the tone for Chicago’s relentless attack.
Christian Yelich and his teammates had limited opportunities to respond. Despite some timely doubles and walks, the Brewers could not capitalize, frequently leaving runners stranded and failing to mount a meaningful counterattack. With Game 5 on the horizon, Milwaukee will need to reassess its approach and find ways to neutralize the Cubs’ offense at home.
What Comes Next: Game 5 in Milwaukee
The series now heads back to American Family Field, where Game 5 will determine which team advances. First pitch is scheduled for Saturday, and fans in both cities are preparing for a thrilling conclusion to a hard-fought series. Brewers manager Craig Counsell expressed optimism despite the setback, emphasizing the opportunity to close out the series:
"We had to earn two hard-fought wins. We did that. Now we get the opportunity and the fun of getting to go close out a series."
Both teams have already demonstrated resilience under pressure, and the winner-take-all scenario promises high drama. Fans can watch the game on TBS and HBO Max, or via live stream through Sling TV, while anticipation builds for what could be a classic postseason showdown.
Lineups to Watch
The Brewers’ lineup features key contributors such as Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, and William Contreras, all capable of turning the tide in a single inning. Meanwhile, the Cubs will rely on their balanced lineup, including standout performers Kyle Tucker, Ian Happ, and Seiya Suzuki, who have been pivotal in their recent victories. With both offenses capable of explosive bursts and pitching staffs that can dominate, Game 5 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this NLDS.
Final Thoughts
Chicago’s 6-0 victory in Game 4 not only demonstrates the Cubs’ ability to recover from adversity but also sets up a compelling do-or-die matchup in Milwaukee. With a rare chance to overcome a 2-0 series deficit, the Cubs will enter Game 5 with momentum and confidence, while the Brewers will look to regain control in front of a home crowd. One thing is certain: fans of both teams are in for a dramatic, high-stakes contest that could go down in postseason history.
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