When Matthew Boyd, the 34‑year‑old left‑hander for the Cubs, took the mound at Wrigley Field on Thursday, October 9, 2025, he delivered a two‑hit, 4.2‑inning shutout that forced a decisive Game 5 in the NLDS. The wind‑up came after a shaky start in Game 1, and the 41,770 fans in attendance felt the tension lift with every strikeout. Boyd’s six swing‑and‑misses and the Cubs’ 6‑0 win gave Chicago a lifeline they hadn’t had all series.
Series Background and Stakes
Before Boyd’s gem, the National League Division Series had been a tale of two cities. The Brewers, bolstered by ace Freddy Peralta, steam‑rolled the Cubs in Milwaukee, stealing Games 1 and 2 with a combined score of 9‑3. Chicago’s narrow 4‑3 victory in Game 3 on October 8 turned the tide, but the series was still hanging by a thread. The winner of Game 5, set for Saturday, October 11 at American Family Field, will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
Boyd’s Turnaround Pitching Performance
Boyd’s line reads like a textbook redemption story: 4.2 innings, two hits, zero runs, six strikeouts, and no walks. He kept the Brewers off‑balance with a mix of high‑effort fastballs touching 94 mph and a devastating slider that broke late for right‑handed batters. The first batter, Brewers’ shortstop Willy Adames, swung at a first‑pitch slider and popped out to short. By the third inning, Boyd had already racked up three strikeouts, including a back‑door slider to perennial slugger Miller Burris.
What makes the performance even more impressive is that Boyd had been on short rest after a jarring outing in Game 1, where he allowed three runs in just 1.2 innings. Manager Craig Counsell defended the decision, noting that “the rotation needed a fresh arm, and Boyd answered the call.” The decision paid off, silencing the early critics who had doubted his durability.
Offensive Firepower Sparks the Win
The Cubs’ bats woke up early. In the second inning, Ian Happ launched a solo shot to deep left‑center, putting Chicago on the board. Two innings later, Kyle Tucker followed with a two‑run homer that swung the momentum definitively in Chicago’s favor. Michael Busch capped the rally with his third series homer, a tidy blast that made the scoreboard read 6‑0.
Nico Hoerner, who finished the night with three hits, added a gritty forearm that turned a routine grounder into an infield single. “It’s cool that the brightest lights have brought the best out of a lot of our guys,” Hoerner said in the post‑game interview, a line that summed up the collective vibe at Wrigley.
- Final score: Cubs 6, Brewers 0
- Boyd’s strikeouts: 6
- Home runs: Happ, Tucker, Busch
- Attendance: 41,770
- Series standing: 2‑2, heading to Game 5
Reactions from Players and Coaching Staff
After the final out, Counsell gathered his bullpen and praised the effort: “We trusted our kids, we gave them a chance, and they delivered. Matthew showed poise, and the offense gave us the cushion we needed.” The sentiment was echoed in the clubhouse, where veteran pitcher Zach Doyle joked, “If we keep this up, I might start considering a career in baseball commentary.”
On the Brewers side, Peralta admitted the loss was tough but remained optimistic: “We gave it our all, but they found a way to break through. It’s a short series, anything can happen in Milwaukee.”
What Lies Ahead: Game 5 Preview
Game 5 shifts back to Milwaukee, where the Brewers will look to recapture the early series momentum. If Peralta gets the ball again, he’ll need to navigate a Cubs lineup that has found both power and consistency. The Dodgers, waiting on the other side of the NLCS, have already signaled that they’re scouting every detail – a swift, efficient series could give them a springboard.
For Chicago, the question is whether Boyd’s resurgence is a one‑off or the start of a new rhythm. With the rotation back on track and the offense humming, the Cubs appear primed to take the next step. As the wind whips through the Milwaukee skyline, fans on both sides will be holding their breath, hoping the final act lives up to the drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Boyd’s performance affect the Cubs’ chances in Game 5?
Boyd’s dominant outing gives Chicago confidence in its starting rotation, showing that short‑rest decisions can pay off. If the bullpen maintains that level, the Cubs will likely start Game 5 with a psychological edge, even though they’ll be on the road.
What impact did the home runs have on the series momentum?
The three homers – from Happ, Tucker, and Busch – erased the early deficit and shifted the series narrative. Those big hits turned a potential shutout into a rally, forcing the Brewers to chase a comeback they hadn’t needed after Game 1.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming Game 5?
Keep an eye on Freddy Peralta for the Brewers and whether he can replicate his earlier success, and watch Michael Busch as he continues his power surge for Chicago.
What does the series winner face in the NLCS?
The victor will meet the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have already secured the National League West title. The Dodgers boast a deep rotation and a potent lineup, setting up a clash of seasoned postseason experience against the under‑dog surge.