When Milwaukee Brewers knocked off the Chicago Cubs 7‑3 on , the series swung dramatically in Milwaukee’s favor. The victory hinged on three clutch two‑out homers, a rare feat that turned a high‑scoring opening inning into a decisive win. Seiya Suzuki and Jackson Vaughn each launched three‑run blasts in the first frame, making history as the first pair of teammates to do so in a postseason game.
Game‑by‑Game Overview
The National League Division Series Game 2Chicago started with fireworks. In the bottom of the first, Suzuki’s 417‑foot drive cleared the left‑field wall, putting the Cubs up 3‑0. The Brewers answered in the top of the inning when Vaughn’s towering shot tied the game. That back‑and‑forth set the tone for a night of slugging that left fans on the edge of their seats.
After both teams traded runs, the tide turned in the fourth inning when Milwaukee loaded the bases with two outs. Vaughn, who had already done his part, stepped up again and sent a line drive over the center‑field fence, delivering the first of three decisive two‑out home runs. Two innings later, a second two‑out blast by Mike Moustakas stretched the lead to 5‑3. The final two‑out homer came from rookie Cody Bellinger in the seventh, sealing a 7‑3 margin.
Historic First Inning
Here’s the thing: never before in MLB playoff lore have both teams belted three‑run homers in the opening inning of the same game. The feat highlighted the offensive firepower of two NL Central rivals that have been trading blows all season. For the Cubs, Suzuki’s blast was a reminder of his 2024 All‑Star form, while Vaughan’s answer signaled that Milwaukee’s lineup was still hungry after a slow start.
Oddly enough, that first‑inning fireworks reminded many fans of the 2015 NLDS Game 2 showdown between the Cubs and Cardinals, when a similar explosion of runs left commentators scrambling for words. This time, however, the Brewers walked away with the momentum.
Two‑Out Homers That Made the Difference
Turns out the real story wasn’t the early fireworks but the clutch power late in the game. Two‑out situations are typically pressure points, yet the Brewers turned them into launch pads. Vaughn’s fourth‑inning homer boosted the lead to 5‑3, a score that the Cubs never closed. Moustakas’ sixth‑inning blast added insurance, and Bellinger’s seventh‑inning shot crushed any remaining hopes of a comeback.
Statistically, two‑out home runs happen in roughly 8 % of all MLB at‑bats. To hit three in a single postseason game is almost unheard of. The Brewers flew past that hurdle with a .375 batting average with two outs and runners in scoring position, compared to the Cubs’ .250 in the same scenario.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
“We knew we had to capitalize on every chance,” said Brewers manager Craig Counsell in the post‑game interview. “Those two‑out blasts were the difference between a win and a possible tie.”
Cubs manager David Ross tried to stay upbeat. “We’re not out,” he said, “but we need to regroup and figure out how to stop those late‑inning bursts.”
Vaughn, who finished the night 2‑for‑5 with two homers, was ecstatic. “It felt good to come up big when the team needed it,” he remarked, adding that the crowd’s roar after his fourth‑inning shot was one of the loudest he’s ever heard at Wrigley Field.
What This Means for the Series
The Brewers now lead the best‑of‑five series 2‑0 and need just one more win to reach the NLCS. Historically, teams that take a 2‑0 lead in a five‑game series win about 75 % of the time. The Cubs, on the other hand, face a steep hill—three straight wins in Chicago or Milwaukee. If they swing back, they’ll need to rely on pitching depth; the Brewers have a 2.85 ERA in the postseason, while the Cubs sit at 3.40.
Experts from ESPN’s baseball desk note that Milwaukee’s ability to produce power in high‑leverage spots could be the X‑factor. “If the Brewers keep delivering with two outs, they’ll force the Cubs into a game of whack‑a‑mole,” said analyst John Schneider. “Chicago’s best shot is to get a dominant starter and shut down that late‑inning offense.”
Looking Ahead: Game 3 and Beyond
Game 3 shifts back to Milwaukee, offering the Brewers a chance to close the series at home. Pitcher Corbin Burnes is slated to take the mound, and his 1.97 postseason ERA makes him a strong candidate to keep the Cubs’ bats quiet.
Meanwhile, the Cubs will likely turn to ace J.C. Takahashi, hoping his 2025 14–5 record can buy the team a lifeline. If Chicago can limit the Brewers to early runs, the series could flip back on its head.
Either way, fans can expect more fireworks. Both clubs have demonstrated they can hit the long ball, so pitchers will be under the microscope. Expect managers to shuffle bullpens, tighten lineups, and perhaps even make a surprise pinch‑hit in the late innings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Brewers’ chances of reaching the NLCS?
With a 2‑0 lead in a best‑of‑five series, the Brewers now need just one more victory to clinch the NLCS. Historically, a 2‑0 advantage translates to roughly a 75 % probability of advancing, so the odds are heavily in Milwaukee’s favor.
What made the two‑out home runs so pivotal?
Two‑out situations typically have lower run expectancy. When the Brewers turned those moments into three long balls, they maximized scoring efficiency, turning potential inning‑ending outs into game‑changing runs that the Cubs couldn’t recover from.
Who were the standout performers for Chicago?
Seiya Suzuki’s three‑run homer set the early tone, and pitcher Ben Brown delivered six solid innings despite the loss. Both showed flashes of the power and poise the Cubs need to stay alive.
What adjustments might the Cubs make for Game 3?
Chicago is likely to tighten its bullpen usage early, perhaps bringing in a high‑leverage reliever after the fifth inning to shut down Milwaukee’s late‑inning surge. Defensive shifts could also be employed to curb the Brewers’ power zones.
When is the next game scheduled and where?
Game 3 is set for October 8, 2025, at Miller Park in Milwaukee. A win there would clinch the series for the Brewers.