Cubs Hold Off Brewers, Avoid NLDS Sweep in Game 3

MILWAUKEE — The Chicago Cubs kept their postseason alive with a 4–3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series (NLDS) on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field.

Milwaukee still leads the best-of-five series 2–1, following wins of 9–3 on Saturday and 7–3 on Monday. Game 4 is set for Thursday in Chicago, with Game 5 (if necessary) returning to Milwaukee on Saturday.

Game Recap

The Cubs jumped out early, scoring four runs in a wild first inning to take control.

• 1st inning: Michael Busch tied the game with a solo homer, followed by a two-run single from Pete Crow-Armstrong. A wild pitch by Nick Mears allowed Ian Happ to score, giving Chicago a 4–1 lead.

• 4th inning: Jake Bauers cut into the deficit with an RBI single, making it 4–2.

• 7th inning: Bauers struck again with a solo home run to left-center, bringing the Brewers within one run.

Milwaukee threatened late, loading the bases in the eighth, but Cubs reliever Brad Keller struck out Bauers to end the inning, then retired the side in the ninth to lock down the save.

Top Performers

• Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered the clutch two-run single that ultimately decided the game.

• Michael Busch made postseason history, becoming the first player ever with multiple leadoff homers in a single playoff series.

• Jake Bauers powered the Brewers’ offense with an RBI single and a solo homer while starting at first base in place of Andrew Vaughn.

The matchup between NL Central rivals continues to deliver fireworks — this series marks the first time in MLB postseason history that both teams have scored in the first inning of each of the first three games.

By the Numbers

• Brewers: 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position, 7 left on base

• Cubs: 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, 7 left on base

Game 4 is set for Thursday night, with the Brewers looking to punch their ticket to the NL Championship Series for the first time since 2018.