When Michael Busch, first baseman of the Chicago Cubs launched a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first, the atmosphere at Wrigley Field shifted from tense to electric. The Cubs rallied 4‑3 over the Milwaukee Brewers on October 8, 2025, keeping the National League Division Series (NLDS) alive and forcing a must‑win Game 4. It was a classic "come‑from‑behind" moment that reminded fans why October baseball feels like a live‑wire drama.
First‑inning fireworks
The opening salvo came from the Brewers. Christian Yelich scored on a sacrifice fly by Sal Frelick, giving Milwaukee a 1‑0 lead after the top of the first. But the Cubs answered instantly. Busch’s 377‑foot blast to right‑center cut through a gusty cross‑wind and plunked into the basket atop the brick wall, knotting the score at 1‑1.
What followed was a cascade of decisive hits. Pete Crow‑Armstrong ripped a two‑run single to right, driving in Nico Hoerner and rookie Kyle Tucker. The knock vaulted the Cubs into a 3‑1 lead. A wild pitch from Brewers starter Jeremy Mears later let Ian Happ race home, stretching the margin to 4‑1. That was the final tally of the first inning – a four‑run burst that set the tone for the rest of the night.
Key plays and pitching after the blast
Both bullpens settled down after the early fireworks. Milwaukee’s relievers, anchored by Caleb Durban, managed to strand runners and keep the Cubs from adding more runs. Chicago’s staff, led by starter Kyle Ryan, limited the Brewers to just three hits the entire game.
A late‑inning attempt to swing momentum back home involved a botched squeeze. Catcher Ryan Kelly and infielder Matt Shaw chased down a hard‑bunted ball, eventually tagging out Durban in a rundown that saw the ball bounce between third and home. The effort was valiant but ultimately futile; the Brewers left the inning with one run scored on a single and two runners stranded.
Series context and historic odds
The win kept Chicago’s hopes alive in a series where they trailed 2‑0. Historically, teams that drop the first two games of a best‑of‑five Division Series face steep odds. Through 2024, only 14 of 34 such teams forced a Game 4, and just three managed to reverse the deficit entirely. The Cubs now join a tiny club that can still dream of a comeback.
Adding spice to the narrative is the managerial rivalry. Craig Counsell, the Cubs’ skipper, spent five seasons in Milwaukee and knows the Brewers’ culture better than most. Opposing him is Pat Murphy, who guided the Brewers to the best regular‑season record in baseball (101‑61) and the No. 1 NL seed. Their personal histories turned this matchup into a chess game as much as a baseball duel.
Reactions from managers and players
After the game, Counsell praised his squad’s resilience. “We weren’t going to let a 0‑2 hole define us,” he said, smiling “Those first‑inning runs were built on a collective belief that we could still win this.” Busch, still buzzing from his second leadoff homer of the series, added, “I just wanted to set the tone. My teammates responded, and that’s what matters.”
Murphy, meanwhile, acknowledged the early lapse but remained confident. “We gave ourselves a chance, but the early burst was too much,” he noted. “We’ll tighten up the bullpen and look for opportunities in Game 4.” The Brewers’ veterans, Yelich and Frelick, expressed determination to bounce back, highlighting the team’s depth and experience.
What lies ahead for the NLDS
Game 4 is slated for Thursday at the Friendly Confines, where the Cubs posted a 53‑30 home record in 2025 – a figure that includes both regular‑season and postseason games. A Cubs win would force a decisive Game 5 back in Milwaukee, where the winner would meet the high‑spending Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS.
For Chicago, the path forward hinges on maintaining pitching stability and capitalizing on any offensive ripples. For Milwaukee, the challenge is to regroup quickly, lean on their dominant rotation, and avoid letting the early deficit dictate the rest of the series. Either way, October baseball remains as unpredictable and thrilling as ever.
Key facts
- Final score: Cubs 4, Brewers 3
- Date: October 8, 2025
- Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Series standing: Brewers lead 2‑1 in a best‑of‑five NLDS
- Notable performances: Michael Busch (leadoff HR), Pete Crow‑Armstrong (two‑run single)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Cubs' chances of advancing?
The victory narrows the deficit to 2‑1, giving Chicago a lifeline. While the odds of a comeback are still low – historically only three teams have rallied from a 0‑2 hole – the Cubs now need just one win in the next two games to push the series to a winner‑take‑all Game 5.
Which players were most influential in Game 3?
Michael Busch set the tone with his leadoff homer, and Pete Crow‑Armstrong delivered the decisive two‑run single. On the mound, the Cubs' starter kept the Brewers’ lineup largely in check after the early surge, while Milwaukee’s Jeremy Mears allowed the pivotal wild pitch that extended Chicago’s lead.
What historical precedents exist for teams overcoming a 0‑2 deficit?
Since the Division Series format began, only 14 of 34 teams that fell behind 0‑2 forced a Game 4, and just three ultimately completed the comeback. The Cubs now join that exclusive handful, and a win in Game 4 would put them on a very short list of teams that have toppled the odds.
How might the managers' past experiences influence the upcoming games?
Craig Counsell’s five‑year tenure with the Brewers gives him insight into Milwaukee’s bullpen tendencies, while Pat Murphy’s regular‑season success as the No. 1 seed equips him with confidence in his rotation. Their familiarity may lead to strategic pitching changes and bullpen usage that could swing the series.
What’s at stake for the winning team beyond the NLDS?
The victor earns a spot in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, a club boasting a deep payroll and a recent World Series title. Advancing could also boost revenue streams, fan engagement, and the franchise’s long‑term marketability.
