When Drew Pomeranz, left‑handed pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, took the ball for the decisive Game 5 of the National League Division Series, fans knew they were watching a last‑ditch effort to stay alive.
The announcement came on the afternoon of October 11, 2025, at Wrigley Field headquarters, but the battle was set for the next night at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Brewers, led by veteran manager Craig Counsell, were poised to take the series, tied 2‑2 with the Cubs after a grueling five‑day road trip.
Season‑long Build‑up and NLDS Context
The 2025 regular season kicked off on March 27, and the Cubs rode a surge that saw them finish 94‑68, clinching the NL Central for the first time since 2021. Their offense, anchored by a youthful core, posted a team OPS of .795, while the pitching staff posted a collective ERA of 3.88. In contrast, the Brewers secured the second wild‑card berth at 92‑70, boasting a strong right‑handed rotation that gave opponents a .235 batting average against.
The NL Division Series, a best‑of‑five showdown, began on October 6 at Wrigley Field. Chicago stole Games 1 and 2, but Milwaukee rallied to win Games 3 and 4 at their home park, setting the stage for a winner‑takes‑all finale. 2025 NL Division SeriesAmerican Family Field would host the final act.
Why Pomeranz? The Strategic Pitching Decision
Choosing Pomeranz wasn’t just about left‑handedness; it was a calculated gamble. The Brewers’ lineup featured a right‑handed heavy: righty‑first‑baseman Josh Bell and power hitter Freddy Peralta. Cubs’ pitching coach Jed Hoyer (though technically the President of Baseball Operations, he often weighs in on staff decisions) believed a left‑handed arm could neutralize the streak.
Pomeranz entered the postseason with a 4‑3 record, 3.87 ERA over 86.1 innings, and a respectable 1.25 WHIP. He’d started ten games during the regular season, showing late‑inning stamina that the Cubs hoped would hold up the Brewers’ hitters through the first six innings.
Recap of the Decisive Game
The night unfolded with an electric crowd of roughly 43,000 – a few hundred over the stadium’s usual 41,900 capacity thanks to postseason seating expansions. Early on, the Brewers struck first: a solo homer by outfielder Brandon Woodruff in the second inning gave them a 1‑0 lead.
Pomeranz settled in, delivering five solid innings, allowing just two runs on three hits. He peppered the zone with a mix of fastballs and a sharp slider that kept the Brewers guessing. Yet, in the seventh, a mis‑read grounder slipped between third and short, and a subsequent two‑run double by Brandon Woodruff put Milwaukee ahead 3‑1.
The Cubs’ bats went quiet. A late‑inning rally fell short when a strikeout by closer Josh Hader sealed the 3‑1 victory. The final out came at 9:45 PM Central, sending the Cubs home after a season that felt, for many fans, both promising and unfinished.
Post‑Game Reactions: Players, Coach, and Front Office
Back in the clubhouse, Drew Pomeranz addressed the media for the first time that night. "It’s a tough way to end, but I’m proud of the guys," he said, his voice tinged with resignation. "We gave it everything; sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce your way." (The interview ran just under five minutes on Marquee Sports Network.)
Manager Craig Counsell was more measured: "We knew this was a win‑or‑go home scenario. The kids fought hard, and I’m grateful for the effort. We’ll regroup, look at the roster, and come back stronger."
Behind the scenes, Thomas S. Ricketts, the franchise’s chairman, hinted at an aggressive free‑agency approach, noting that the team’s payroll flexibility would allow for “targeted upgrades.” The front office, led by Jed Hoyer, confirmed that scouting reports for the November 17‑21 free‑agency summit in Las Vegas were already in motion.
Looking Ahead: What the Cubs Face in the Offseason
The loss ends Chicago’s 2025 campaign after 162 regular‑season games and four postseason contests – the earliest exit since the 2022 season. Yet, the club’s 94 wins keep optimism alive. Analysts point to a few key areas for improvement:
- Adding a left‑handed reliever to balance the bullpen, which leaned heavily on right‑handed arms.
- Exploring a trade for a power‑hitting shortstop, as the current cadence at the hot corner lagged .220 batting average.
- Re‑evaluating the starting rotation depth, especially after Pomeranz’s injury‑prone past seasons.
Fans can expect a flurry of activity once the offseason officially begins on October 13. The team’s scouting department will likely focus on younger arms with high spin rates, a trend that has paid dividends across the league.
Why This Matters to Cubs Fans and the League
Beyond the heartbreak, the series highlighted Chicago’s resurgence in a competitive NL Central. The Cubs’ ability to force a Game 5 against a potent Brewers lineup signals that the franchise is back in the conversation. For the league, a tightly contested NLDS adds to the narrative that the 2025 season is one of parity, with multiple teams capable of making deep runs.
In short, while the night ended in defeat, the foundation laid this year could propel the Cubs into a championship chase next spring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Game 5 loss affect the Cubs' roster plans?
The early exit forces the front office to reassess pitching depth. With Drew Pomeranz now a free agent, Chicago will likely pursue a left‑handed starter or reliever in November’s market, while also looking to add a power bat to the middle of the order.
What were the key moments that decided the Game 5 outcome?
Two pivotal plays shifted momentum: Brandon Woodruff’s solo homer in the second inning for the Brewers, and his two‑run double in the seventh that turned a 1‑1 tie into a 3‑1 lead, effectively sealing the series.
Who will lead the Cubs in the upcoming free‑agency period?
Chairman Thomas S. Ricketts confirmed that the organization will take an aggressive stance at the November 17‑21 free‑agency summit in Las Vegas, with President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer outlining targets on the pitching staff and outfield power.
What does the Brewers' victory mean for the NL Championship Series?
Milwaukee advances to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, setting up a clash between two strong pitching rotations. The Brewers will carry the confidence of a comeback win into the next round, where they’ll need to preserve their bullpen depth.
How did the fans react to the Game 5 atmosphere at American Family Field?
With attendance topping 43,000, the crowd was electric despite the cold October night. Fans chanted “Let’s go Cubs!” early, but the palpable tension rose after each Brewers run, culminating in a somber silence as the final out was recorded.