Introduction: What Defines the Rivalry
- The Brewers and the Cubs are both part of the NL Central, which means they face each other many times every season, increasing familiarity, competition, and tension.
- Geographic proximity adds fuel: while Milwaukee and Chicago aren’t immediate neighbors, the I-94 highway makes travel easy and enhances the regional rivalry.
- Since the Brewers joined the National League in 1998, several matchups with the Cubs have had major implications for playoff berths, division titles, or season-defining moments.
Overall Statistics
- The first official meeting happened in 1997 (interleague play), with the Brewers defeating the Cubs 4-2 at Wrigley Field.
- Over the years, the rivalry has been fairly balanced. In the last 32 years through 2024, the Brewers hold 224 wins against the Cubs’ 219.
- Over the past 10 years (through 2025), the Brewers have a slight edge in head-to-head matchups, with records around 86-80 depending on season cutoffs.
Key Moments and Historic Games
1. Division Tie-Breaker in 2018
- On October 1, 2018, the Brewers and Cubs played a Game 163 to decide the NL Central title.
- The Brewers won 3-1 at Wrigley Field, clinching the division and home-field advantage in the playoffs.
2. Biggest Wins by Margin
- The Brewers’ largest victory over the Cubs was an 18-1 game on August 2, 2010.
- The Cubs answered with a 19-5 win on April 30, 2008.
3. Notable Winning Streaks
- The Brewers recorded an 11-game winning streak over the Cubs between April 24 and September 18, 2021.
- The Cubs had a 9-game winning streak from July 30 to September 22, 2015.
Impact on Standings and Morale
- Many matchups have been decisive in playoff races, with the 2018 tie-breaker being the most prominent.
- Lopsided victories (18-1, 19-5) not only impacted stats but also morale and momentum, shaping how each fanbase viewed the rivalry.
Recent Years
- In recent seasons through 2025, the Brewers have held a slight advantage in head-to-head matchups.
- The rivalry remains heated, with playoff implications, roster moves, and fan tension keeping it alive every year.
Conclusion
The Brewers vs. Cubs rivalry is a perfect example of how regional proximity, division competition, playoff stakes, and historic games create long-lasting sports tension. While the Cubs have a longer legacy in MLB, the Brewers have consistently proven to be fierce rivals, especially in crucial matchups that defined division titles and playoff paths.
