Brewers vs Cubs: In a dramatic 4-3 Game 3 win, the Cubs stave off elimination against the Brewers. Michael Busch historic leadoff homer, bullpen holds, and playoff implications. Full recap and where to watch Cubs vs Brewers.
Introduction & Stakes
Brewers vs Cubs has become a high-stakes duel in 2025 — now it’s playoff time. In Game 3 of the NL Division Series, the Chicago Cubs forced their season to continue with a gritty 4-3 victory at Wrigley Field, pulling one back in the series. Milwaukee had jumped out to a 2–0 series lead, putting Chicago on the brink. But a harrowing first inning and late bullpen heroics gave Cubs fans hope.
This article breaks down:
- The full game recap & turning points
- Player stat highlights
- Tactical and managerial maneuvers
- Injury & roster notes
- How to watch Cubs vs Brewers (where, when, streaming)
- What to expect in Game 4 and beyond
Game Recap & Turning Moments
Early fireworks — Cubs’ 4-run 1st inning
Chicago didn’t wait. In Game 3, they erupted for a four-run first inning. Leadoff slugger Michael Busch smashed a homer to ignite the inning — he became the first MLB player to hit multiple leadoff home runs in a single postseason series.
After Busch’s shot, the Cubs followed with a two-out rally: Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a two-run single that pushed the Cubs into the lead.
The Brewers had opened with a 1–0 lead (Christian Yelich via sacrifice fly), but couldn’t hold fast against that onslaught.
Brewer pushbacks & bullpen drama
Milwaukee chipped away. Jake Bauers drove in a run in the 4th, and later homered to keep pressure afloat.
In the 8th, with bases loaded, the Cubs bullpen (notably Brad Keller) struck out Bauers on a foul tip — a momentum-shifting out. Keller then closed the 9th clean to preserve the win.
Priester’s nightmare & what it meant
Brewers starter Quinn Priester returned to the mound under heavy expectations after prior bullpen usage. But the first inning unraveled — Priester allowed multiple runs and was pulled early, derailing Milwaukee’s plan to close out the series at Wrigley.
Priester later called the performance “frustrating” and acknowledged his command was off.
Player Highlights & Stat Lines
| Player | Team | Stat(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Busch | Cubs | HR, leadoff blast | Historic: multiple leadoff homers in same postseason series |
| Pete Crow-Armstrong | Cubs | 2-RBI single | Key hit in first-inning rally |
| Brad Keller | Cubs | K with bases loaded, clean 9th | Clutch bullpen showing |
| Jake Bauers | Brewers | Solo HR + RBI single | Kept Brewers in game offensively |
| Jackson Chourio | Brewers | (Limited impact) | Battled injury; hamstring concerns resurfaced |
Check the full box score for additional role player contributions and pitching splits.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Tactical & Managerial Analysis
Cubs’ approach: Get ahead and hold the edge
Cubs manager Craig Counsell emphasized winning early and seizing momentum. The first-inning rally was no fluke — Chicago consistently started hot in this series. Counsell said: “Win the moment … stay with your process.”
Jameson Taillon delivered a strong outing, attacking Brewer hitters and keeping the Cubs in control despite pressure innings.
Brewers’ missteps & bullpen reliance
Milwaukee’s game plan hinged on riding Priester deep, but that strategy faltered early. The bullpen, while effective after that, couldn’t overcome the early deficit. The in-game pinch decisions — including managing Chourio’s hamstring and lineup tweaks — tested depth.
Injuries & Roster Notes
- Jackson Chourio (LF, Brewers): Exited Game 1 with hamstring tightness, and despite returning for Game 3, the injury remains a concern for Milwaukee’s offense.
- Brewer lineup changes: The Brewers adjusted outfield roles and placed Brandon Lockridge in centerfield in Game 3 to account for Chourio’s mobility limitations.
These injury-related roster strain points will be critical as the series potentially extends.
Where to Watch / Broadcast Info
Game 3 (Brewers vs Cubs):
- Date & Time: Oct 8, 2025 — 4:08 PM CT / 5:08 PM ET
- TV: TBS / truTV (national)
- Streaming: TBS app, HBO Max (with authentication)
- Radio: Cubs on Southwest Airlines Cubs Radio Network (WSCR 670, etc.) ; Brewers on Brewers Radio Network (WTMJ 620, other affiliates)
Next games in series: Game 4 is set for the following night in Chicago.
FoxSports has a series preview and broadcast schedule that outlines channel and streaming options.
The Cubs get out of the jam 😓
Chicago leads 4-3 heading to the bottom of the 8th against the Brewers.pic.twitter.com/XPKtUoPvyn
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 9, 2025
Historical & Regular Season Context
- In the 2025 regular season, the Cubs narrowly won the season series over the Brewers, taking 7 of 13 games — a notable performance given Milwaukee’s strong overall record.
- This NLDS matchup is the first postseason meeting between the Cubs and Brewers.
- The Cubs’ success in early innings has been a repeated theme — in Game 3 they again scored multiple runs early to build the cushion they defended.
What’s Next & Predictions
- Series status: Brewers currently lead 2–1 in the best-of-five NLDS. If Milwaukee wins Game 4, they advance; Cubs must win to force a Game 5.
- Game 4 to watch: Expect tailed bullpen usage from both sides; the Cubs may rely again on Taillon or bullpen bridges; Brewers may shift rotation or bullpen strategies to close.
- Injury factors: Chourio’s condition and Brewer depth will be under scrutiny.
- Tactical shifts: Cubs will aim to replicate the fast start; Brewers will try to control early runs, limit big innings, and lean on peripheral matchups.