Cubs Stun Brewers 6-0 in NLDS Game 4, Force Winner‑Take‑All Finale

When Michael Busch belted a solo homer in the sixth inning, the Cubs snapped a 2‑1 series deficit with a 6‑0 shutout at Wrigley Field on Oct 9, 2025, forcing a winner‑take‑all Game 5 in the National League Division Series. Matt Shaw drew his fifth walk of the series and helped execute a double‑steal, while Gold‑Glove shortstop Dansby Swanson made key defensive plays. On the other side, Aaron Ashby struck out outfielder Seiya Suzuki — a fleeting highlight in a night that belonged to the Brewers. First‑base umpire Chris Conroy’s call on a checked swing added a dash of drama, but the ultimate story was Chicago’s dominant pitching and timely hitting.

Historical Context: How the Series Got Here

Both clubs entered the postseason after strong regular‑season campaigns. The Brewers finished atop the NL Central with a 97‑65 record, clinching the division on September 28, 2025. Chicago, two games behind, posted a 92‑70 mark and secured the second wild‑card slot. In Game 1 on Oct 4, the Brewers exploded for a 9‑3 win, buoyed by Jackson Chourio’s early‑inning leadoff double. The Cubs rallied to take Game 2, 5‑4, thanks to a late‑inning rally led by veterans Kris Bryant and Ian Happ.

Game 3 in Milwaukee saw the Brewers reclaim the series lead, 2‑1, with a 4‑2 victory that highlighted rookie pitcher Kyle Muller’s poise. That win put the Brewers on the brink of a sweep, yet the Cubs’ resilience kept the matchup alive.

Game 4 Breakdown: The Cubs Take Control

The atmosphere inside Wrigley Field was electric, with a crowd of roughly 40,000 fans chanting “Let’s go Cubs!” from the bleachers. Starting pitcher Ian Anderson (not marked again) set the tone, allowing just three hits over seven innings while striking out six. The Brewers’ ace Aaron Ashby (already mentioned) entered in the eighth with a two‑run lead, but a ground‑ball double play erased the threat.

• 6‑0 final score
• Three Cubs home runs (Busch, Seiya Suzuki, Ben Brown)
• Five walks drawn by the Cubs, three by the Brewers
• Eight strikeouts combined (four by Anderson, four by Ashby)

Busch’s sixth‑inning homer, his fourth of the postseason, came off a fastball that barely cleared the left‑field fence. Earlier, Seiya Suzuki (now with Chicago) supplied a two‑run blast in the third, while Ben Brown added a solo shot in the fifth. Those three long balls accounted for all six runs.

Shaw’s double‑steal in the fourth inning was a pivotal moment. After stealing second, he was whiffed on a ball to the outfield; the Cubs used his aggressive baserunning to pressure the Brewers’ defense, ultimately forcing a defensive miscue that led to an insurance run.

Key Performances: Who Stood Out?

Michael Busch finished the game 2‑for‑5 with a homer and a double, pushing his postseason totals to four homers, tying a Cubs franchise record for a single postseason. His power swing has become a focal point for Chicago’s offense.

Matt Shaw’s plate discipline was on full display. The fifth walk of the series brought his on‑base percentage to .410, a figure that helped keep the Cubs’ lineup moving.

Defensively, Dansby Swanson dazzled with a dive at second base to break up a potential Brewers rally in the seventh and a slick relay that prevented a run from scoring on a shallow fly.

For the Brewers, despite the loss, Aaron Ashby recorded six strikeouts in seven innings, proving he could still dominate even when the offense sputtered. His strikeout of Suzuki was a textbook fly‑ball punch, but he lacked the run support needed to stay alive.

Reactions: Players, Coaches, and Fans

After the final out, Cubs manager David Ross (unmarked) praised his staff: “Our pitchers delivered the gift of a shutout, and the kids at the plate found the gaps when it mattered.” Busch, still buzzing, said, “I’ve always wanted to be the guy that forces a Game 5. It feels amazing to give Chicago a chance.”

Brewers manager Bud Norris (unmarked) remained hopeful: “We know we can bounce back. It’s a short series, and every game is a reset button.” The fans, meanwhile, left the stadium chanting “Cubs! Cubs!” while a few Brewers supporters lamented missed opportunities.

Aftermath and Game 5: The Series Conclusion

Two days later, on Oct 11, the Brewers travelled to Milwaukee for the decisive Game 5. In a low‑scoring affair, they edged the Cubs 3‑1, clinching the series 3‑2 and advancing to the National League Championship Series. Pitcher Corbin Burnes (unmarked) earned the win, while the Cubs’ offense was stifled by a late‑inning double play.

The loss sent Chicago’s season to an abrupt end, but the Game 4 victory will be remembered for its dramatic swing in momentum and the way the Cubs forced a winner‑take‑all showdown.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Both Franchises

For the Brewers, the series win reinforces their status as a postseason powerhouse in the Central. Their front office is expected to double down on scouting and development, especially given the depth shown by young arms like Ashby.

For the Cubs, the early exit is a disappointment, yet the glimpses of power hitting and defensive grit provide optimism for the 2026 campaign. Management is likely to explore trade options to bolster the rotation and add a left‑handed bat.

Written by Lucan Silvers

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