Brewers fans take to Chicago as team falls short of NLDS sweep

CHICAGO (CBS 58) -- Despite the Brewers’ loss in game three of the NL Division Series, fans tell us they enjoyed the experience and remain confident.

As Brewers fan Renee Berger came out of Wrigley Field Wednesday, Oct. 8, she told us, “It was really fun. I mean, going to Wrigley has always been on my bucket list. The energy in there is electric.”

Brewers fans from Wisconsin and beyond represented well as they rooted for a division series sweep.

Riley Fitzsimmons, a Brewers fan from Burlington, told us, “We were scared to wear Brewers jerseys down here, but they've been awesome.”

They were pockets of blue and gold in some areas.

Alex Librande drove down from Milwaukee for the game. He said, “We sat in the 414 section and there were plenty of Milwaukee fans around us, too. So we had our own little cheering section. So it made things more exciting, for sure.”

But elsewhere in the stadium, fans felt like they were on their own.

Ryan Ninko said, “It was a good game. Not a lot of Brewers fans, but I think we played well considering the first inning.”

With the two rivals meeting in the playoffs for the first time ever, even Cubs fans who were worried about being swept were impressed with the electricity inside Wrigley and out.

Cubs fan Fletcher Sohn told us, “The atmosphere in there was the best atmosphere I've been to any baseball game, Cubs or not Cubs.”

Most Brewers fans told us they’re still confident, even after the loss, a benefit of taking the first two games in Milwaukee.

Selainy Lira is a Brewers fan living in Chicago. She said, “I think it's only nice enough to give them one. So I feel like they're going to be fine. I think they've got it, next game is tomorrow at 8:00, they're going to be fine, they got it.”

CHICAGO (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Brewers fans are filling Chicago bars and streets Wednesday, Oct. 8 as the team prepares for Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the Cubs. With Chicago on the brink of elimination, the Brewers have a chance to complete a sweep and advance to the NLCS.

At Home Away From Home, a Chicago bar known for welcoming visiting fan bases, the rivalry was alive but mostly friendly before first pitch.

"We can say we're friendly, up until gametime," said Cubs fan Mike Backer.

Brewers fans made their presence known, bringing brooms, jerseys and a winning attitude across state lines.

“We wanna make this Miller Park South," said Brewers fan Greg Hackbart.

Many fans pointed to what they called a historic Brewers season, confident the team could close out the series. Still, some Milwaukee fans were cautious not to provoke their Cubs fan counterparts.

"You kinda gotta not do it in Chicago if you want to get out of here," said Brewers fan Greg Jones.

Despite decades of competition, fans from both sides agreed on one thing: a shared passion for the game itself.

"The love of baseball just brings people together," said Brewers fan Derek Baumgartner. "You could be two rival fans and just agree that ‘We hate you because you're killing us.’"

For Brewers fans hoping to stay on good terms with locals, there was one piece of advice circulating before the game: don’t put ketchup on your hot dog!

CBS 58 will continue coverage from Chicago whether there’s a Game 4 in the series or the Brewers move on to the National League Championship Series on their way to the World Series.