Imagine the thrill of a small-town underdog team turning the tables on a powerhouse rival, clinching a spot in the big leagues after years of near-misses—this is the heart-pounding story of the Milwaukee Brewers' victory that has baseball fans buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: In a sport obsessed with superstars, is this win a testament to team spirit, or does it highlight how big-market teams like the Cubs might be overrated? Stick around, and this is the part most people miss—the emotional layer of rivalry and legacy that made this game unforgettable.
Milwaukee, WI (AP) — After shaking off a string of playoff disappointments, the Milwaukee Brewers have earned a fresh moniker from their skipper, one that perfectly captures their journey from underdogs to champions.
Craig Counsell—wait, no, Pat Murphy, the Brewers' manager—has dubbed his squad the 'Average Joes,' a playful reference to their status as a modest-budget franchise without the flash of famous names. Yet, following their 3-1 triumph over the fierce Chicago Cubs in the climactic fifth game of the National League Division Series on Saturday evening, Murphy felt it was high time for a promotion.
"You might label them the average Joes," Murphy remarked, "but in my book, they're the above-average Joes."
This victory hinged on every player stepping up, showcasing the true essence of teamwork.
Andrew Vaughn smashed a crucial go-ahead home run in the fourth inning, while William Contreras and Brice Turang also launched balls out of the park. On the mound, Trevor Megill, Jacob Misiorowski, Aaron Ashby, Chad Patrick, and Abner Uribe teamed up to limit the Cubs to just four hits, with Uribe securing six outs in what marked his first multi-inning save.
"It requires each and every one of these players in the clubhouse, and they've delivered," Turang shared. "We must keep the momentum rolling."
For context, the National League Division Series (NLDS) is a best-of-five playoff round where teams battle to advance to the next level, like a knockout tournament in baseball. The Brewers, with their seventh postseason berth in eight seasons, claimed their inaugural series victory since their 2018 sweep of the Colorado Rockies in the NLDS. That year, Milwaukee came tantalizingly close to a World Series appearance, only to fall in Game 7 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Now, they're gearing up for another NLCS showdown with those same Dodgers, who recently defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in four games in the other NLDS matchup. The action kicks off with Game 1 on Monday in Milwaukee, as the Brewers pursue their first pennant—the championship of their league—since 1982, when they were still part of the American League (think of it as switching conferences in sports).
Despite parting ways with slugging shortstop Willy Adames via free agency and trading away star closer Devin Williams last offseason, the resilient Brewers capped the regular season with an impressive 97-65 record, the best in all of Major League Baseball (MLB).
This achievement comes just nine months after the passing of Bob Uecker, the iconic broadcaster who called Brewers games for 54 years and is arguably more emblematic of the franchise than any player. During their on-field celebration photo, the team stood before a banner featuring Uecker's autograph, and the capacity crowd erupted when the scoreboard displayed a fan's sign reading 'Do It For Bob Uecker.'
"It mattered deeply to the players—especially against this rival—to wrap things up," Murphy explained. "And they understand Ueck is beaming down."
The win carried extra sweetness for Milwaukee supporters, as it vanquished their arch-nemesis and sidelined Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who grew up in the Milwaukee region, played for the Brewers, and held the title of their most successful manager until jumping to Chicago.
In the two years since Counsell's exit, Brewers fans have jeered his name each time the Cubs visit American Family Field. They did so again on Saturday, even though the sold-out stadium seemed to have more Cubs loyalists than during Milwaukee's home wins in Game 1 and Game 2.
The Cubs were chasing history, aiming to become the 11th squad to overcome a 2-0 series deficit and win a five-game playoff series—a rare feat last pulled off by the New York Yankees against Cleveland in their 2017 American League Division Series.
"I'm let down. I'm heartbroken," Counsell admitted. "This group did everything to represent the Chicago Cubs with honor. That's the broader perspective for me."
And this is the part most people miss—the runs were all driven by home runs in this decisive, winner-takes-all contest, with each of Milwaukee's scoring blasts coming after two outs, emphasizing the drama and resilience.
Contreras launched a 389-foot missile to left-center off Drew Pomeranz in the first inning. Vaughn broke a 1-1 deadlock by crushing a 3-2 pitch from Colin Rea over the left-field fence, and Turang added a 416-foot insurance shot to center against Andrew Kittredge in the seventh.
"We bounce back. That's our mindset," Vaughn asserted. "We're ready to strike next. We're throwing it right back at them."
Chicago's Seiya Suzuki greeted Misiorowski with a 101.4 mph fastball into the Cubs' bullpen to start the second, but that was the only run the 23-year-old rookie allowed in his four innings, securing his second series win.
"It's been insane," Misiorowski said. "A total whirlwind, and incredibly enjoyable."
The Brewers deployed Misiorowski after Megill set down the Cubs in order in the first. The Cubs had racked up 11 runs in the opening innings across the first four games, never going scoreless to start.
But after Suzuki's homer, they were silenced for the rest of the night.
Chicago's strongest rally unfolded in the sixth against Ashby, who had hurled 32 pitches just two nights prior in Milwaukee's Game 4 defeat. Michael Busch singled to lead off before Ashby hit Nico Hoerner with a pitch.
Ashby struck out Kyle Tucker swinging at 3-2, then Patrick relieved and got Suzuki on a flyout to left, followed by Ian Happ striking out looking.
"You aim to capture the World Series annually," Busch reflected. "Falling short hurts, regardless."
The Brewers also laid to rest some lingering ghosts from their past.
They held a two-run edge entering the ninth, mirroring the decisive game of last year's NL Wild Card Series against the New York Mets. Milwaukee collapsed that time when Williams surrendered four runs in the final frame, including a three-run homer by Pete Alonso.
This go-around, there was no panic as Uribe closed it out in order.
"We discussed it pre-game," Murphy recalled. "It crossed my mind. We revisited it at season's end last year. We gathered in the room, all stunned. I told them, 'Guys, I'm at a loss for words. Somehow, this will strengthen us.' And lo and behold, it proved prophetic."
But here's where it gets controversial: Does this triumph validate the Brewers' frugal approach over the Cubs' high-spending model, or is it just a lucky break in a sport where big names often dominate? And what about the rivalry—should fans boo former heroes like Counsell, or is that crossing a line of sportsmanship? Think about it: In an era of free agency and trades, are team loyalties outdated, or do they still fuel the game's passion? We'd love to hear your thoughts—do you agree that 'above-average Joes' can outshine superstars, or is this just a fluke? Share your opinions in the comments below and let's debate!
