Milwaukee opened the NLDS with a statement: a 9-3 rout of the Cubs in Game 1, showing just how dangerous they can be when they strike early. The Brewers made a layoff from the regular season look like a fade–using a ferocious first inning to seize control.
The Cubs stole some thunder early when Michael Busch launched a leadoff home run just four pitches in, giving Chicago a quick 1-0 lead. But that lead was barely a blip. Milwaukee answered immediately and emphatically.
First Inning Explosion: All Hands On Deck
That bottom of the first inning was a microcosm of Milwaukee’s edge: aggression, timely contact, and forcing Chicago’s pitching staff into chaos. Doubles from Brice Turang and William Contreras, plus a fielding error and a clutch single, turned Busch’s homer into a multi-run advantage. They would go ahead 6-1 before the first inning ended–tying a franchise postseason record for first-inning runs.
Milwaukee didn’t merely coast from there. In the bottom of the second, they tacked on two more runs–one via a two-run single and another via a scoring hit–pushing the lead even further. While Chicago answered with solo homers in the sixth and eighth, the Brewers’ cushion was too big to overcome.
Peralta’s Dominance & Chourio’s Early Exit
Freddy Peralta anchored Milwaukee’s effort. Over 5 2/3 innings, he struck out nine, allowed just two runs, and kept the Cubs off balance all day. His command of his weapons and ability to escape trouble were critical, especially after Milwaukee spent much of their offensive energy early.
Peralta is now 1-0 with a 3.18 ERA, nine strikeouts, and a 1.24 WHIP in the 2025 postseason.
One caveat to the win: Jackson Chourio, a sparkplug for Milwaukee, exited the game early due to hamstring issues. His day started red-hot, but the injury is a concern as the Brewers look ahead. Still, the depth showed: every Brewer starter reached base, and eight of nine scored.
“It’s scary,” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “He had a hamstring that kept him out a month, and it’s the same hamstring, so we’re worried about it. It’s really unfortunate.”
During a post-game interview, Chourio gave insight on this situation:
“Felt good. I’m just, first and foremost, happy that we got the win today. Physically, I feel good,” Chourio said through his interpreter. “I was frustrated with the moment, but once, kind of, talking and having the advantage that we had there in the game, I was a little more [cautious]. I feel good right now. Compared to the last time this happened, I feel like I’m in a very good position.”
What This Game Says About the Series
Game 1 delivered clarity: Milwaukee isn’t coming to make up the numbers. They’re here to dominate. Their margin for error just widened after this blowout performance.
“It definitely felt like a home game, and our guys felt that,” Murphy said. “They [the fans] were difference-makers.”
Chicago’s lineup, which had some momentum from the Wild Card rounds, now faces pressure to respond quickly. If their starters get worked early again, the margin for a comeback shrinks rapidly.
For the Brewers, sustaining this level of attack will be tough–series opponents adjust, fatigue sets in, and bullpen usage becomes critical. But the message is loud: they believe in their roster, they believe in their pitching, and they believe this season isn’t ending early.
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