Introduction: A Rivalry Renewed
The Brewers–Cubs rivalry is one of the Midwest’s most compelling matchups in Major League Baseball. In 2025, these NL Central foes face off with high stakes, both in the regular season and in postseason play. Every game brings drama — from pitching duels to power hitting.
Here’s the full guide: schedule, how to watch, predictions, and what makes this rivalry so special.
1. History & Rivalry Context
- The rivalry officially began in 1997 when the Brewers joined the National League. Wikipedia
- It’s often called the I-94 Rivalry, since the two stadiums are only about 83 miles apart. Wikipedia
- Though they’ve faced each other many times, 2025 marks their first postseason meeting in the NL Division Series (NLDS). Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Bleed Cubbie Blue+3
A wrinkle in this rivalry: Craig Counsell, longtime Brewers manager, is now managing the Cubs — adding extra drama to every meeting. New York Post+2Bleed Cubbie Blue+2
2. 2025 Schedule & Postseason Format
Regular Season Showdowns
- During the regular season, the Brewers and Cubs face off in multi-game series. MLB.com+3MLB.com+3MLB.com+3
- For example, a notable 5-game series took place in Chicago. MLB.com+3Brew Crew Ball+3SI+3
Postseason: NL Division Series 2025
- Their first postseason match starts October 4, 2025. Bleed Cubbie Blue+2Bleed Cubbie Blue+2
- Games will be aired on TBS, truTV, and will also stream on HBO Max. Bleed Cubbie Blue+1
- Radio coverage: Cubs radio network & 670 The Score. Bleed Cubbie Blue+1
2025 NLDS between Brewers & Cubs:
- Game 1: Saturday, October 4 at 1:08 p.m. CT
- Game 2: Monday, October 6 at 8:08 p.m. CT
- Games 3, 4, 5 (if needed): scheduled per series structure. Bleed Cubbie Blue+1
🌐 The winner goes on to face the winner of another NLDS in the NLCS. Wikipedia+1
3. How to Watch / Broadcast Info
- TV Channels (U.S.): TBS and truTV for postseason games. Bleed Cubbie Blue+1
- Streaming: HBO Max and MLB.TV for streaming access. Bleed Cubbie Blue+1
- Radio: Cubs’ radio affiliates & 670 The Score for audio broadcasts. Bleed Cubbie Blue
- Local Broadcasts: In local markets, games may appear on regional networks (Marquee Sports Network for Cubs, local channels for Brewers) during the regular season. SI+1
For example, for Cubs vs. Brewers games:
- On August 21, 2025: The match aired on Marquee Sports Network and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin for local markets, and MLB Network for out-of-market viewers. SI
- Also, MLB Network, Marquee, and regional networks carry many of the games depending on location. SI+2MLB.com+2
4. Recent Match Highlights
- On August 20, 2025, Cubs edged out the Brewers 4–3. Michael Busch hit a three-run double, and Matt Shaw launched a solo homer to seal the win. CBSSports.com
- In that game:
• Misiorowski (Brewers) allowed 3 runs in 4 innings
• Brice Turang had 3 hits for Milwaukee
• Cubs improved their season record series vs. Brewers to 7 wins vs. 5 losses. CBSSports.com
These tight games underscore how even small moments (a double, a homer) can swing momentum in the Cubs-Brewers rivalry.
5. 2025 Prediction & Odds
- For games in August 2025:
• On August 18, Cubs vs. Brewers: Chicago was a -128 moneyline favorite; over/under set at 8.5. CBSSports.com
• For August 21: Predictions leaned Under 7 runs, with pitching duel between Quinn Priester (Brewers) and Shōta Imanaga (Cubs) as focal matchup. Covers.com+2SI+2
In many previews, analysts emphasize strong pitching and tighter scoring, especially in a rivalry series. Covers.com+2SI+2
6. Key Players & Storylines to Watch
- Pitching Matchups: Priester (Brewers) vs Imanaga (Cubs) often highlighted as critical duels. SI+2Brew Crew Ball+2
- Injuries & Rosters: Both teams have had injuries to pitchers and position players affecting depth. Brew Crew Ball
- Managerial Drama: Craig Counsell, ex-Brewers manager, now leads Cubs — adds emotional weight to these matchups. New York Post+1
- Rivalry Heat: Close travel distance, frequent matchups, and postseason stakes intensify every game. Wikipedia+2Bleed Cubbie Blue+2
7. What Fans Are Searching & Why
Some of the top search queries around this matchup include:
- “brewers vs cubs” / “cubs vs brewers”
- “brewer game today” / “cubs game today”
- “how to watch cubs game today” / “what channel is the brewers game on”
- “brewers schedule” / “cubs schedule”
- “cubs brewer match player stats”
- “brewers score” / “cubs score”
- “cubs vs brewers prediction”
These reflect what casual and die-hard fans want — live score, schedules, broadcast info, player stats, and predictions.
Because of the high stakes in 2025 (first postseason meeting), interest is at an all-time high, fueling search volume and media coverage. Wikipedia+3Bleed Cubbie Blue+3Bleed Cubbie Blue+3
8. Tips for Watching & Enjoying the Series
- Check your region’s channel rights — local broadcasts may override national networks for regular season games.
- Follow lineup announcements — pitching matchups are critical in rivalry games.
- Watch for weather delays — in August, there was a postponement of a Cubs-Brewers doubleheader due to weather. marqueesportsnetwork.com
- Track streaming options — postseason streaming will be via HBO Max + MLB.TV alongside TBS/truTV.
- Engage with community threads — fan forums and game threads (BleedCubbieBlue, etc.) offer real-time insights. Bleed Cubbie Blue+1
Conclusion: The Rivalry That Never Sleeps
The Brewers vs. Cubs series is more than just games — it’s history, drama, and neighborhood pride. In 2025, with their first postseason battle, this matchup gets even more intense.
If you’re tuning in, keep your eyes on pitching duels, key offensive flashes, and managerial decisions — those will often decide tight games in this rivalry.
🔑 Question for You: Which player or matchup are you most excited to watch in the Brewers vs. Cubs series — and why?
