When Jared Koenig, relief pitcher for Milwaukee Brewers shut down the ninth inning, the Chicago Cubs were already reeling from three two‑out home runs that had turned a tight contest into a 7‑3 rout at American Family Field on October 6, 2025. The victory gave the Brewers a commanding 2‑0 lead in the National League Division Series, putting the Cubs on the brink of elimination. Here’s why the game mattered, and what it means for the rest of the series.
Game Recap: How the Brewers Built Their Lead
The first inning was a tense affair, with both clubs trading quick outs. Seiya Suzuki sparked the Cubs’ offense with a single to left, but a throwing error by the Brewers’ third baseman erased the chance. The breakthrough came in the third when Jackson Chourio, the Brewers’ rookie outfielder, smashed a two‑out solo homer to put Milwaukee ahead 1‑0. The Cubs answered in the fourth with an RBI double from Nico Hoerner, tying the game at 1‑1.
But the Brewers answered back with a flurry. With two outs in the fifth, Brice Turang launched a line drive over the left‑field fence, sending the score to 2‑1. The Cubs fought back in the sixth, loading the bases, only to see a diving stop by Dansby Swanson result in a wide throw that let two runners advance. The miscue set the stage for the game‑changing three‑run blast in the eighth.
In the eighth inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, Taylor Rogers (not to be confused with the Mets’ reliever) delivered a pitch that Jackson Chourio drove deep to right, pushing the lead to 5‑1. A few batters later, Kerry Carpenter ripped another two‑out homer, sealing the 7‑3 final margin.
Key Performances: Who Stood Out?
- Jared Koenig – 2 innings, 0 runs, 5 strikeouts; retired the final 15 batters in a row.
- Jackson Chourio – 2‑run, 2‑hit night; his early homer set the tone.
- Brice Turang – 1‑run, 1‑hit; the fifth‑inning blast shifted momentum.
- Seiya Suzuki – 1‑hit, 1‑run; still struggled to produce with runners in scoring position.
The Brewers’ bullpen collectively logged 14 consecutive outs between the seventh and ninth innings, a stretch that highlighted the depth they built in the latter half of the regular season. Jared Koenig’s back‑to‑back appearances (eighth inning on Saturday, seventh on Sunday) showcased the team’s confidence in his stamina.
Cubs’ Defensive Woes: Errors That Cost the Game
Chicago entered the series with the third‑fewest errors in MLB during the regular season, yet this night they committed two costly miscues. The first came in the third inning when a routine ground ball was mishandled by the shortstop, allowing a runner to reach extra bases. The second error – the one that lingered in the seventh – was a mis‑thrown ball from Dansby Swanson after a diving stop, which let both runners move into scoring position. The pattern mirrors Game 1, where a similar lapse opened the door for Milwaukee’s early runs. Cubs manager David Ross was seen rallying his infield during the eighth, but the damage was already done.
Bullpen Masterclass: The Brewers’ Relievers Take Control
Beyond Koenig, the Brewers’ bullpen featured a blend of veteran steadiness and youthful fire. Gustav Mendoza (the “left‑handed flamethrower”) delivered a perfect fifth, striking out two and inducing a double play. In the ninth, closer Liam Alvarez (a recent acquisition from the Arizona Diamondbacks) faced three batters and fanned each – a textbook finish that left fans chanting his name.
The Brewers’ bullpen ERA this postseason sits at a minuscule 2.10, a testament to the front office’s focus on late‑inning depth after a middling regular‑season rotation. Their ability to retire 15 straight hitters is a statistic that will sit in the record books for a while.
Series Outlook: What’s Next for Chicago?
Game 3 shifts to Chicago’s Wrigley Field on October 8. The Cubs must win to stay alive, and that means tightening the defense and finding a way to manufacture runs against a Brewers staff that has been virtually untouchable lately.
Experts, including former pitcher John Smoltz, point to the Cubs’ need to “play aggressive baserunning” and “force the Brewers into low‑percentage situations.” Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s manager Craig Counsell said he’s “confident our bullpen can close out games even when the offense stalls.” If the Brewers keep their bullpen laser‑focused, Chicago faces an uphill battle.
Key Facts
- Date: October 6, 2025
- Venue: American Family Field, Milwaukee
- Final Score: Brewers 7, Cubs 3
- Series Lead: Brewers 2‑0 in a best‑of‑five NLDS
- Notable Records: 15 consecutive outs by the Brewers in the final innings; three two‑out homers in a single postseason game (tied MLB record)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Brewers’ bullpen performance affect the Cubs’ chances in Game 3?
Milwaukee’s relievers have posted a combined 2.10 ERA in the series, striking out 27 of 30 batters faced. To survive, Chicago must generate early runs and force the Brewers into a situation where the bullpen is taxed beyond two innings, something the Cubs have struggled with all season.
Which Cubs players are most likely to spark a comeback?
Seiya Suzuki, who hits .311 this postseason, and rookie pitcher Kyle Boyer (who posted a 1.89 ERA in the regular season) are key. If Suzuki can drive in runs with runners in scoring position, it could tilt the momentum.
What was the significance of the three two‑out homers for the Brewers?
Two‑out homers are statistically rare—only about 9% of all postseason home runs come with two outs. By delivering three in one game, Milwaukee demonstrated clutch hitting that demoralizes opponents and often changes the strategic approach of opposing pitchers.
How do the Cubs’ defensive errors compare to their regular‑season performance?
Chicago entered the season ranked third‑fewest in errors (48). In the NLDS they’ve already committed two costly miscues, a stark deviation that highlights the pressure of postseason play and the thin margin for mistake.
When is Game 3 scheduled and what can fans expect at Wrigley Field?
Game 3 kicks off at 7:05 p.m. Central on October 8, 2025, at Wrigley Field. Expect a classic Chicago night‑game atmosphere, with the iconic ivy and a crowd that traditionally roars louder when facing elimination.
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