Padres Survive Elimination Threat as Brewers Extend Historic Road Playoff Drought

Key points

• The Padres won Game 3 4-3, keeping the NLDS series alive at 2-1 in Milwaukee's favor.
• Michael King recorded a six-out save, the first in postseason history for a pitcher who started two days earlier.
• The Padres lacked closer Mason Miller (paternity leave) and reliever Adrian Morejón (shoulder injury), relying on Michael King, Yuki Matsui, and Bradgley Rodriguez for the final innings.
• Jackson Merrill made two critical defensive plays in the third inning, including a diving catch that prompted manager Pat Murphy to shout 'Goddammit, Merrill' during a broadcast interview.
• The Brewers have lost 12 consecutive road playoff games, matching the longest such streak in history.
• Jake Cronenworth hit a walk-off home run in the sixth inning, his first long ball of the series, to extend the lead to 4-3.

Background

The series began with the Brewers winning the first two games in Milwaukee, including a walk-off hit by Jackson Chourio in Game 2. The Padres, who had a strong regular season home record, faced elimination in Game 3 at Petco Park. Earlier in the postseason, the Padres had made roster adjustments, including replacing Walker Buehler with Randy Vasquez due to paternity leave, though Buehler was available for Game 4. The Padres' bullpen had been strained by injuries and personal leaves, leading to the unprecedented use of Michael King as a closer.

How outlets are covering it

Defector emphasized the entertainment value of the series, highlighting the 'Goddammit, Merrill' moment and the tactical brilliance of the Padres' bullpen usage. The San Diego Union-Tribune focused on the desperation and resourcefulness of the Padres, noting the absence of key players and the critical double play by Xander Bogaerts. MLB Trade Rumors highlighted the historical significance of Michael King's save and the Brewers' 12-game road playoff losing streak. ESPN was inaccessible due to a 403 error, so no perspective could be synthesized from that source. All sources agreed on the final score and the key plays, but differed in emphasis: Defector on the drama, Union-Tribune on the team's resilience, and MLB Trade Rumors on the statistical anomalies.

Why it matters

The result prevents the Brewers from clinching the series and extends their historic road playoff losing streak. It also highlights the Padres' ability to adapt to injuries and personal leaves, showcasing the depth of their roster. The series is now tied 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for October 7, where the Padres must win to force a Game 5. The outcome also impacts the future of Michael King, who is a free agent this winter and may command a massive payday based on his performance.

What to watch

Game 4 of the NLDS is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at Petco Park. The Padres will start Walker Buehler, while the Brewers' starter is TBD. The series is tied 2-1 in Milwaukee's favor, with the Padres needing to win Game 4 to force a Game 5. The Brewers must win Game 4 to advance to the NLCS. The outcome of Game 4 will determine which team advances to the next round of the postseason.