Brewers Dismiss Cubs as "Underdogs" Amid Tight NL Central Race

As of August 19th, 2025, the race for the NL Central division is heating up, with the Milwaukee Brewers firmly in control. Brewers manager Pat Murphy has made it clear that he does not consider the Chicago Cubs to be "underdogs" in this tight race, stating that the Cubs have a roster full of all-stars, MVP candidates, veterans, and past champions.

The Brewers have pulled ahead in the division, now leading by 9 games heading into the second game of a doubleheader. Their strong performance on the mound, in the field, and at the plate has erased any early doubts about their ability to maintain their pace. Meanwhile, the Cubs have stumbled in recent weeks, with their once-potent offense cooling off just as the pressure has mounted.

Despite their recent struggles, the Cubs remain firmly in the race for a wild-card playoff spot. However, questions linger about whether their offense can rediscover its spark and whether their pitching can stay consistent down the stretch. For the Brewers, it's about building on their momentum, while the Cubs must regroup quickly to keep their postseason hopes alive.

As manager Murphy warns against underestimating the Cubs, the message is clear: both teams know how quickly the landscape can shift in the final weeks of the season.