Brewers Take 2-0 Lead in NLDS After Chourio Walk-Off and King Collapse

Key points

• Jackson Chourio hit a bases-loaded single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning to score Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick, resulting in a 4-3 win for Milwaukee.
• The win was the third postseason walk-off victory in Brewers history, following similar wins in 2011 and 2018.
• Padres starter Michael King threw a perfect game through four innings but was removed after hitting Chourio in the sixth inning; he finished with a 5.65 ERA in his last 10 starts.
• The Brewers' bullpen, including Trevor Megill, recorded five scoreless innings in Game 1, while Game 2 featured a strong defensive play by Chourio on a potential home run by Ty France.
• Game 3 is scheduled for October 6 at Petco Park, with Dustin May starting for the Brewers and Nick Pivetta for the Padres.

Background

The Brewers entered the series with a 1-0 lead after a 3-2 win in Game 1, which ended on a controversial ruling involving a ball striking the stadium roof. The Padres had swept the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round but faced roster changes, including the placement of Walker Buehler on paternity leave. The Brewers' recent success in the postseason has been highlighted by Jackson Chourio's performance, including a home run in Game 1 that tied him for the franchise lead in postseason home runs.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today emphasized the significance of Chourio's walk-off hit as a defining moment for the Brewers' playoff run, noting it as the third such victory in franchise history. ESPN was unavailable due to a technical error, providing no additional perspective. jsonline.com focused on Chourio's broader postseason impact, highlighting his home run in Game 1 and his status as the Brewers' 'Mr. October,' while also detailing the struggles of Padres pitcher Jacob Misiorowski in Game 1. The outlets differ in emphasis, with USA Today focusing on the immediate Game 2 outcome and jsonline.com providing a broader analysis of Chourio's career and the Game 1 dynamics.

Why it matters

The 2-0 lead gives the Brewers a significant advantage in the NLDS, with the series moving to San Diego for Game 3. The Brewers' ability to overcome a dominant pitcher like Michael King and secure a walk-off win demonstrates their resilience and depth. The series outcome will determine which team advances to the National League Championship Series, with the Brewers now favored to win the World Series according to some analysts.

What to watch

Game 3 of the NLDS is scheduled for October 6 at Petco Park in San Diego. The probable starting pitchers are Dustin May for the Brewers and Nick Pivetta for the Padres. The Brewers will look to extend their lead, while the Padres aim to avoid elimination in a best-of-five series.