The air tonight in Chicago feels different. There is the faint chill that comes with early autumn in Wrigleyville, but there is also the freshly electric buzz of a city that finds itself awake, wrapped tightly around a sliver of hope. The Chicago Cubs, down 0-2 in this Division Series, step into Game 3 with no illusions; tonight’s game is about extending the Cubs' season and surviving, full stop. The Milwaukee Brewers, ruthless, streaky, and red-hot, were one win away from advancing to the National League Championship Series. 

Tonight is not just another night of postseason baseball; it is an emotional crossroads. Cubs fans are draped in blue and white and reliving that glorious taste of October. They believe in miracles; they’ve seen them before. And tonight, the ivy walls glisten under the lights with the whispering breeze blowing off Lake Michigan. They believe again! 

• Date: October 8th, 2025

• Time: 9:08 PM (UTC)

• Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago

• Series: Brewers lead 2-0

Wrigley Field has an enchanted quality to it because it is October. The ancient ballpark is full with memories, including decades of grief, heroes, and prospects. As the sun sets and lights turn on, the low drone of the crowd turns to a roar. This is playoff baseball in its most unvarnished form, every swing, every pitch, every glance from the dugout telling a story. 

The Cubs, bruised but not broken, make their way home, backs against the ivy wall. Manager Craig Counsell—a former Brewer himself and stands in the dugout facing the franchise he once played for and now seeks to revise. Meanwhile, nostalgic Milwaukee comes strutting in with a purpose and confidence born of a 2-game advantage in this 5-game series, smelling blood. 

Games 1 and 2 were total Milwaukee. The Brewers let the full complement of their offense have its way with the Cubs, outscoring them 16-6 and dominating from the first inning until the last.  Game 2’s 7–3 win at American Family Field was a declaration which is also a notice to the rest of the league. The Brewers were not here to compete; they were here to win. This, combined with a strong performance by Yelich, clutch hitting by Chourio, and the cool handling of the rotation, has made Milwaukee look like a team that is meant for big things.

Now, they march into Wrigley in hopes of a sweep. History has proven that nothing can come easy at this ballpark, especially when desperation turns to destiny.

For the Cubs, Taillon is a poster child for consistency. He has an 11–7 record with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP that depicts a veteran who thrives under pressure. He has been particularly sharp at home, with a Wrigley record of 5–2, and his command of the corners keeps hitters on their toes when he’s in rhythm.

On the other hand, Priester has been Milwaukee's unexpected hero, posting a 13-3 record with a 3.32 ERA. He is young, fearless, and has appeared unaffected by the pressure of the playoffs, showing great composure. However, he has been challenged against Chicago this season, giving up 10 earned runs in 14 innings. The Cubs have his measure, and they may just have a window back into this series.

One of the few things that October baseball has taught is that momentum is momentary and vulnerable. One swing, one inning, and one play can flip a series. The Cubs are hoping for that spark and that the energy of their home crowd and the urgency of imminent elimination will ignite it.

The Cubs' home record this season—52 wins—illustrates their competency in changing Wrigley into a fort. They are going to need to bring that type of magic again, because the Brewers' road record of 45-36 also proves they are desensitized by hostile conditions.

If the bettor is chasing totals, the Over 6.5 runs market is also a bright spot, with 22 total runs scored in two previous contests combined for both teams, and the wind at Wrigley is variable and relative, so the ball could travel further than we expect, or not at all, compared to an average park. 

Milwaukee didn’t rely on flash last night; they relied on rhythm. Brice Turang (.288), Christian Yelich .278 (29 home runs, 103 RBI), and William Contreras (.260) make for a consistent core of contact hitters. If you add in Chourio for a spark, now you have a lineup that can do damage. 

The strength of this team is its bullpen, with Devin Williams anchoring, and their ability to take control of the game late; Milwaukee’s control from the 7th inning on has been a silent killer of this series. If Milwaukee has a lead early, the Cubs will struggle to get back in the game. 

However, the Cubs cannot be disregarded. Seiya Suzuki has been very good at home—hitting in 12 consecutive home games, including four home runs in five games. The club's offense is better balanced and more patient with Nico Hoerner back as the heart of the lineup. And Michael Busch adds some danger from the left-handed side against right-handed pitching.

What does Taillon do? He gives his lineup a chance. The Cubs' bullpen has, somewhat quietly, been sneaky good; they boast a 3.56 ERA, and if Taillon is able to give his lineup a deep 6 innings, Counsell can figure out how to line up his relievers for a perfect ending.

These two teams are nearly equal in terms of efficiency, but Milwaukee's contact rate and speed (2nd in MLB for steals) have been a difference maker in this series. Chicago has the edge in power and could change the narrative from that tonight.

If you're riding with the Cubs, there may be no better time to add a little more thrill. 

This series is about more than just stats. It’s about timing, temperament, and tenacity. Milwaukee feels like a team with the swag that comes from expecting to win; Chicago feels like a team that refuses to quit. Priester may have the early control, but Taillon knows how to sway a game late. Chicago’s bullpen has shown greater sharpness, although the lineup has sometimes been inconsistent, punching above its weight with mixed results. Expect the game to be deep, tense, and thrilling which is the kind of baseball that keeps you up past midnight.