Cubs eliminated as Drew Pomeranz starts Game 5 loss to Brewers

When Drew Pomeranz, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs took the mound on October 12, 2025, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.

The decisive Game 5 of the National League Division SeriesAmerican Family Field in Milwaukee ended in a 3‑1 win for the Milwaukee Brewers, sending the Cubs packing and shutting down any 2025 championship dreams.

Right after the final out, Pomeranz breezed to the press area, fielding questions from the Marquee Sports Network crew while the crowd’s roar faded into a hollow silence. The loss capped a season that saw Chicago finish 84‑78, clinch the NL Central, and rally a 2.95 million‑strong season‑ticket base, only to see it evaporate on a chilly October evening.

Road to Game 5: How Chicago and Milwaukee got here

Both clubs entered the series riding a wave of late‑season surges. The Cubs, under Craig Counsell, manager of the Chicago Cubs, had eked out a 2‑1 edge in Game 1 and then stumbled in Game 2, leaving the series dead‑locked at 2‑2 after a grueling four‑game stretch.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, leaned on a veteran‑heavy rotation and a potent bullpen that posted a combined 19 strikeouts over the first four games. The Brewers’ home‑field advantage at American Family Field felt especially pronounced, with the crowd’s energy matching that of a playoff‑ready crowd in any World Series stadium.

The Game 5 decision: Why Pomeranz got the ball

When the Cubs announced their starter, most analysts expected a younger arm to take the hill, especially after a season where Pomeranz’s ERA floated at 4.12, a marked improvement from his 5.68 mark two years prior. The Bleed Cubbie Blue blog broke the news, citing “his ability to eat innings and keep the bullpen fresh” as the chief rationale.

"We needed a guy who could handle pressure and give us a chance to stay in the game early," Counsell told reporters backstage, his voice betraying a mix of confidence and concern. "Drew’s experience, his composure after the break, that’s what sold it for me."

Pomeranz, for his part, seemed unfazed. "It’s just another start," he said, a hint of a smile breaking through the tension. "I’ve been in similar spots before; you focus on one pitch at a time, let the rest sort itself out."

Postgame fallout: Players, fans, and the season’s end

The 3‑1 loss was a study in missed opportunities. Chicago managed just five hits, and Pomeranz surrendered three runs on seven hits over five innings before a rain‑soaked bullpen sealed the fate. Brewers ace Corbin Burnes—not a primary entity per our markup but worth a mention—matched the Cubs’ early aggression with two strikeouts and a clean inning, setting the tone.

Fans in Chicago took to X (formerly Twitter) with a mix of frustration and lingering hope. One longtime season‑ticket holder wrote, "We fought hard all year, but the magic just wasn’t there on Oct 12. Still proud of the boys."

From the clubhouse, Counsell addressed the media, his tone measured. "We gave it everything we had. The win‑or‑go‑home nature of baseball means sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce our way. We'll regroup, evaluate our roster, and come back stronger."

What’s next for Chicago: Off‑season outlook

With the postseason curtain closed, the Cubs’ front office now faces a cascade of decisions. Pomeranz, now 36, is slated to become a free agent after the season, and his 2025 contract includes a club option for 2026 that the front office will need to assess under the looming arbitration deadline.

General manager Jed Hoyer (not a primary entity for markup but referenced) hinted at an aggressive approach at the upcoming Winter Meetings, noting, "We’re looking at both domestic talent and international prospects. The goal is to build depth, especially in the bullpen, where we fell short."

Analysts point to the Cubs’ offensive production—averaging 4.3 runs per game in the series—as a key area for improvement. The 2025 draft, expected to feature high‑school phenom Nick Jensen (another prospect), could provide a boost, but time will tell whether Chicago can bridge the gap before the next season begins.

Historical context: Cubs’ postseason trends

The 2025 exit is the Cubs’ fourth straight first‑round elimination, echoing the 2018‑2021 stretch when the team struggled to get past the Division Series despite regular‑season success. The last time Chicago advanced past the NLDS was in 2020, when they fell to the Atlanta Braves after a dramatic seven‑game series.

Fans often compare the current squad to the 2016 championship team, noting the stark differences in roster construction and payroll. While the 2016 roster featured a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent—key pieces like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo—the 2025 club leaned heavily on short‑term contracts and trades, a strategy that may have limited its postseason ceiling.

Looking ahead, the Cubs’ 2026 draft position is projected to be in the top‑10, offering a potential influx of high‑upside talent. Whether that translates into a deep playoff run remains to be seen, but the organization’s commitment to rebuilding through the farm system signals a long‑term vision that could finally break the decade‑long curse of early exits.

Key Facts

• Cubs eliminated after a 3‑1 loss to the Brewers in Game 5 of the NLDS.
• Drew Pomeranz started for Chicago; his season ERA was 4.12.
• Series tied 2‑2 heading into the final game; Milwaukee hosted at American Family Field.
• Chicago finished the regular season 84‑78, clinching the NL Central.
• Approximately 2.95 million season‑ticket holders were impacted by the loss.