MILWAUKEE — Fans often feel the pressure during critical games, but players see them as dreams come true. Cubs manager Craig Counsell shared that these intense moments are what players work hard for, saying, “This is what I worked so hard for. You get to a place where your best self comes out.” Unfortunately for the Cubs, their season ended with a 3-1 loss to the Brewers in a do-or-die Game 5 of the NL Division Series.
This defeat was tough. The Cubs entered the season with high hopes, bolstered by strong summer performances. But as they wrapped up their season on a chilly fall day, they couldn’t capitalize on that potential.
Here’s what stood out after this heartbreaking loss:
First, this loss stings more than usual. The Cubs not only fell short against a rival, the Brewers, but they did so in a playoff game. The Brewers have consistently outperformed expectations, especially given their tighter budget and fewer resources. This year, many believed the Cubs could finally surpass Milwaukee, but once again, they trailed both in the standings and in the postseason.
Despite adding talent like Kyle Tucker, who went 0-for-4 in the game, the Cubs struggled at the plate. Their offense had been a powerhouse early in the season but faltered when it mattered most, managing only one run in a critical playoff game.
The Cubs’ bullpen, a major concern during the season, ended on a high note. However, they couldn’t perform under pressure when the team needed it most. They couldn’t hold a lead—simply because they never had one.
Next, there’s the inevitability of reflecting on missed chances. The Cubs won 92 games, a solid feat in a competitive division. But for many, it feels like a season wasted. In a winner-take-all scenario, expectations are high. The Cubs had everything to play for, yet they couldn’t find their rhythm against Milwaukee’s pitching.
Cub’s Counsell revealed their game plan ahead of the match: “We’re going to have everybody available,” he stated. Yet, as the game unfolded, it became clear that their plan fell flat. After moments of hope, such as when Seiya Suzuki tied the game with a home run, the Cubs couldn’t maintain momentum.
In the sixth inning, they had a chance to create chaos. With two runners on base, it seemed a big moment was brewing. Sadly, the Brewers found a way to shut down the opportunity, striking out key batters and escaping unscathed. The Cubs finished the playoffs hitting just 5-for-40 with runners in scoring position, far below what’s needed for success in clutch situations.
This year wasn’t just a loss; it was a glimpse of potential unfulfilled. Many fans and analysts see promise for the future, but the immediate sting of missing a crucial postseason win lingers. While experts note that resilience is key in sports, it’s hard to overlook the feeling that the Cubs missed a golden opportunity.
As they look forward, the Cubs face questions about their lineup and strategy. They’ll need to examine not just what went wrong this season, but also how to turn potential into performance next year. For now, it’s time to regroup and strategize for 2026 and beyond.
For a deeper dive into the Cubs’ postseason performance and potential changes, check out the latest analysis from sources like [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/mlb/), where experts evaluate team dynamics post-elimination.
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2025 NLDS,Chicago Cubs,Craig Counsell,Cubs,Drew Pomeranz,NLDS
