Brewers Dominate Cubs 9-3 in Game 1 of NLDS

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the Chicago Cubs 9-3 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. The win came despite an injury to outfielder Jackson Chourio, who left the game in the second inning due to tightness in his right hamstring.

Chourio made history by going 3 for 3, becoming the first player to achieve three hits in the first two innings of a playoff game. However, his status remains uncertain for Monday’s Game 2.

Freddy Peralta, pitching for the Brewers, had an impressive outing, throwing 5 2/3 innings and recording nine strikeouts. His performance tied him with Don Sutton, Yovani Gallardo, and Brandon Woodruff for the Brewers’ single-game playoff record.

The game began with a bang as Michael Busch hit a 389-foot home run over the right-center wall. The Brewers capitalized on strong hitting, scoring six runs before the end of the first inning, matching their highest-scoring playoff inning in franchise history.

In the first inning, Chourio, Brice Turang, and William Contreras all hit consecutive doubles, helping to extend the lead. Brewers fans in the crowd vastly outnumbered Cubs supporters, enthusiastically waving yellow towels and booing Cubs manager Craig Counsell, a former Brewers player and manager.

Counsell, who managed the Brewers until 2023, faced heavy criticism from the home crowd after choosing to start Matthew Boyd on short rest. Boyd left the game with two outs in the first inning after struggling to find his rhythm.

Milwaukee’s lineup continued to flourish as Caleb Durbin delivered a two-run single in the second inning, capping off an aggressive offensive performance. Although the Cubs managed to score three runs late in the game, it wasn’t enough to overcome the early deficit.

Chicago’s Aaron Civale and Ben Brown combined to shut down the Brewers for 6 1/3 innings but could not change the outcome of the game. The Cubs will look to bounce back as the series continues.