Milwaukee Brewers Smash Chicago Cubs in Explosive NLDS Opener as Jackson Chourio Shines Before Injury
The long-standing cubs vs brewers rivalry erupted once again as the Milwaukee Brewers stormed past the Chicago Cubs with a stunning 9–3 victory in Game 1 of the NLDS. A blistering six-run first inning set the tone for the brewer game, giving fans one of the most dramatic starts in recent postseason memory. While the brewers score today delighted home supporters, the night wasn’t all celebration, with rookie sensation Jackson Chourio leaving the field early due to injury.

Brewers vs Cubs: A High-Octane Start to the NLDS
The cubs brewers game began with early fireworks. Chicago Cubs leadoff man Michael Busch smashed a solo homer, putting Chicago ahead in the top of the first. But the Milwaukee Brewers answered immediately — and emphatically.
In the bottom half of the inning, the brewers score exploded thanks to a flurry of hits:
Brewers Batters | Action | Result |
---|---|---|
Jackson Chourio | Double | First postseason extra-base hit |
Brice Turang | Double | RBI |
William Contreras | Double | RBI |
Blake Perkins | Single | 2 RBIs |
Christian Yelich | RBI Hit | Extended lead |
By the time the dust settled, the brewers cubs scoreboard read 6–1, tying a franchise record for most runs in the first inning of a postseason game.
Cubs Struggle as Brewers Take Command
The cubs score today barely reflected their struggle to keep pace. After Busch’s leadoff home run, Chicago’s bats fell silent against Freddy Peralta, who struck out nine and limited the cubs game offense to just a handful of hits.
Cubs starter Matthew Boyd was pulled in the first inning after conceding several extra-base hits. Manager Craig Counsell, now leading Chicago against his former club, faced criticism for starting Boyd on short rest. The decision backfired as Milwaukee’s lineup capitalized on every early mistake.
Despite late solo homers by Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner, the chicago cubs score couldn’t overcome Milwaukee’s early momentum, leaving the cubs - brewers matchup one-sided by the end of the night.
Brewers’ Momentum and Injury Concerns
While the brewers game today was a clear success on the scoreboard, it came at a cost. Jackson Chourio, who became the first MLB player to record three hits in the first two innings of a playoff game, left with a hamstring injury.
Manager Pat Murphy praised Chourio’s performance but acknowledged the concern heading into the next matchup. “He set the tone for us — everything flowed from that first at-bat,” Murphy said postgame.
Meanwhile, the Brewers’ rotation took another hit with Brandon Woodruff ruled out of the nlds due to a strained lat. Despite the setback, Milwaukee Brewers still boast the league’s deepest bullpen, which could be key as the cubs brewers playoffs series continues.
Craig Counsell Faces His Old Team
The cubs manager found himself in an unusual position, managing against the same franchise he led for nearly a decade. Counsell’s return to Milwaukee was met with a mix of boos and applause, reflecting the emotional weight of his offseason move.
“I knew it would feel different,” Counsell said. “But my focus is on our guys and how we respond in Game 2.”
For fans of mlb today, this managerial storyline adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already fierce rivalry.
Brewers Schedule and Cubs Playoff Outlook
Both clubs enter this mlb bracket showdown with strong records and postseason ambition. Milwaukee finished the regular season at 97–65, earning a bye into the nlds, while the chicago cubs clawed their way through the Wild Card round.
Here’s a quick look at the brewers schedule and cubs playoff schedule for the rest of the series:
Game | Date | Venue | Time (ET) | TV/Streaming |
---|---|---|---|---|
Game 2 | Oct. 6 | American Family Field | 9:08 p.m. | TBS, HBO Max |
Game 3 | Oct. 8 | Wrigley Field | 8:15 p.m. | FOX Sports 1 |
Game 4* | Oct. 9 | Wrigley Field | TBD | FOX Sports 1 |
Game 5* | Oct. 11 | American Family Field | TBD | TBS |
(*If necessary)
Fans searching where to watch chicago cubs vs milwaukee brewers or what channel is the cubs game on today can tune into the national broadcasts on TBS and stream via Max. For those asking how to watch cubs game today, regional replays will also air on MLB Network.
Cubs vs Brewers Prediction and Next Game
After Milwaukee’s statement win, Game 2 could define the rest of the cubs brewers 2025 series. Chicago must rediscover its offensive rhythm, particularly from its middle order, while Milwaukee will rely on its bullpen depth to maintain control.
Analysts’ cubs vs brewers prediction favor the Brewers slightly due to home-field advantage and superior pitching consistency. Still, with stars like Cody Bellinger and Dansby Swanson capable of big moments, go cubs go chants might yet echo through Wrigley.
Fans asking who do the cubs play next can mark their calendars for the next cubs game on Monday night as the series shifts into its most critical stretch.
Ticket and Broadcast Info for MLB Tonight
Both cubs tickets and brewers tickets for the postseason are selling rapidly through official MLB outlets. Fans eager to attend cubs brewers 2025 matchups can expect near sellouts across both cities.
For those staying in, what channel is the brewers game on today and what channel is the cubs game on remain the most-searched phrases for this mlb tonight showdown.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands or your sofa, the chicago cubs vs milwaukee brewers series promises high emotion, deep history, and classic postseason baseball at its finest.