4 Oct 2025
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Here’s the thing: the Cubs are finally back where they belong – in the National League Division Series – and the road ahead looks as heated as a Chicago summer. After a gritty three‑game Wild Card duel against the San Diego Padres, the Chicago Cubs locked down a 2‑1 series win on Thursday, October 2, 2025. That victory not only punched a ticket to the NLDS but also set the stage for an all‑Central showdown with the top‑seeded Milwaukee Brewers.
How the Cubs Earned Their NLDS Spot
The Wild Card Series began on September 30, 2025, when the Cubs captured Game 1 at home, edging the Padres 3‑1 in a game broadcast on ABC. Pitcher Ian Anderson set the tone, delivering six solid innings and allowing just one run.
San Diego answered back the next night in Game 2, blanking Chicago 3‑0 behind a masterful performance by Josh Hader. The momentum swung dramatically in Game 3 on October 2, when the Cubs rallied for a 3‑1 win at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. That decisive game aired on ESPN, drawing a national audience that curled up around their screens for the climax.
By clinching the series, Chicago locked the fourth seed in the National League, guaranteeing a Division Series matchup at home against the Brewers, who finished the regular season atop the NL Central with a 101‑61 record.
Full Division Series Schedule Unveiled
Major League Baseball (MLB) released the complete NLDS timetable on Friday, October 3. The 2025 National League Division SeriesMilwaukee pits the Cubs and Brewers in a best‑of‑five clash that kicks off Saturday, October 4 at 2:08 p.m. Eastern (1:08 p.m. Central). Game 2 follows on Monday, October 6 at 9:08 p.m. Eastern (8:08 p.m. Central).
The remaining NLDS pairings are the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the Philadelphia Phillies, and the ALDS features the New York Yankees against the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as the Detroit Tigers taking on the Seattle Mariners. All dates and times are listed on MLB.com/postseason and are subject to minor tweaks.
Broadcast Landscape: Where to Watch
If you’re wondering where to catch the drama, the Cubs‑Brewers series will be streamed on TBS and the HBO Max platform. Game 1 also carries the Booking.com sponsorship tag, reflecting a growing trend of travel‑industry partnerships in baseball.
Game 2 expands the TV roster to include truTV, giving fans multiple avenues to tune in. Meanwhile, the rest of the NLDS action lands on TNT Sports outlets, while the American League’s matchups roll out on FOX and FS1.
For cord‑cutters, the streaming bundles on HBO Max are bundled with a one‑month free trial – a sweetener that could attract youngsters who otherwise skip traditional cable.
What the Matchup Means for the Central Division Rivalry
The Cubs‑Brewers duel reignites a rivalry that’s simmered since the Brewers moved to the NL Central in 1998. Both clubs have traded playoff berths over the past decade, but Milwaukee’s recent dominance—bolstered by a stellar pitching rotation featuring Corbin Burnes and a potent lineup led by William Contreras—makes them a tough hurdle.
The Cubs, on the other hand, are banking on a mix of youth and veteran poise. Shortstop Dansby Swanson has been a catalyst at the plate, while bullpen ace Adbert Alzolay offers late‑inning stability.
Analysts note that the series could hinge on home‑field advantage. Wrigley’s wind‑battered outfield has historically favored the Cubs, but Milwaukee’s Miller Park (now known as American Family Field) provides a neutral‑sounding backdrop that might level the playing field.
Looking Ahead: Paths to the World Series
Should the Cubs emerge victorious, they will travel to either the Arizona Diamondbacks or the San Francisco Giants for the National League Championship Series, depending on the outcome of the other NLDS bracket.
Even more excitingly, a win would set up a potential World Series showdown against the American League champion – a team that could be the Yankees, Blue Jays, or a surprise from the AL Central.
The stakes are high, but the excitement is palpable. Chicago fans, many of whom have endured a decade of rebuilding, finally have a reason to rain confetti on the streets of Wrigleyville.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Cubs‑Brewers NLDS affect the Central Division standings?
The series offers the Brewers a chance to cement their top‑seed status with a deep postseason run, while the Cubs can flip the division narrative by knocking out the leaders. A Cubs victory would tighten the gap for next season’s preseason rankings.
Where can fans watch Game 1 and Game 2?
Game 1 airs on TBS and streams on HBO Max at 2:08 p.m. ET (1:08 p.m. CT). Game 2 follows on TBS, truTV, and HBO Max at 9:08 p.m. ET (8:08 p.m. CT). Both channels provide live commentary and a stats‑heavy broadcast.
What are the key player matchups to watch?
Watch pitcher Ian Anderson versus Corbin Burnes. At the plate, the duel between Dansby Swanson and William Contreras could swing momentum.
When is the next possible series if either team advances?
The NLCS is slated to begin the weekend of October 12, with the winner of the Cubs‑Brewers series facing the winner of the Dodgers‑Phillies matchup. Exact dates will be confirmed after the Division Series concludes.
What does this postseason run mean for Chicago’s fanbase?
After a decade of rebuilding, the Cubs’ NLDS berth revives excitement downtown, boosts local businesses on game days, and could influence offseason decisions on player contracts and free‑agent signings.