The Milwaukee Brewers are set to host the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League Division Series tonight, October 4, 2025, at American Family Field. With the clock ticking toward a 5:08 p.m. CT first pitch, fans are buzzing about this heated rivalry spilling into the playoffs. Indeed, the Brewers clinched their spot after a gritty regular season, but now face a Cubs team that's riding high from their Wild Card win over San Diego. Weather looks favorable—sunny skies, 87 degrees, light winds from the southwest—which could make for some long balls if the pitchers falter.
Looking at the schedule, this best-of-five series starts strong in Milwaukee for Games 1 and 2, shifting to Wrigley Field if it goes longer. Game 1 features Freddy Peralta on the mound for the Brewers against the Cubs' Justin Steele, a matchup that's got analysts divided. Peralta's strikeout stuff could dominate, yet Steele's poise in big spots adds tension. Moreover, injuries are nagging both sides: the Brewers without Brandon Woodruff due to a lat strain, and the Cubs missing Cade Horton with a rib issue. These absences might tilt the early games toward pitching duels rather than slugfests.
For those scrambling for Cubs tickets, options are slim but available through resale markets like Ticketmaster or Gametime, where prices for tonight's opener hover around $150 for upper decks, spiking to over $500 for premium seats. However, demand is fierce—expect quick sellouts as Chicago faithful flood north. The broader MLB tonight slate is light, with this NLDS clash stealing the spotlight, underscoring how divisional grudges amplify October drama.
Indeed, the Brewers' home crowd could roar them to an early lead, but the Cubs' resilience suggests nothing's decided yet. As the series unfolds, one wonders if this rivalry will redefine the NL Central's pecking order for years to come.