Padres Stun Brewers in NLDS Game 3, Cut Series Lead to 2-1

Key points

• San Diego Padres beat Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in NLDS Game 3 on October 6, 2026.
• The win cut the Brewers' series lead from 2-0 to 2-1, preventing a sweep.
• Jake Cronenworth hit a crucial home run for the Padres in the decisive game.
• The Brewers committed a late defensive error that contributed to the Padres' victory.
• Game 4 is scheduled for October 7, 2026, with the Brewers needing to win to advance.

Background

The Milwaukee Brewers entered Game 3 leading the series 2-0 after winning the first two games in Milwaukee with scores of 3-2 and 4-3. Jackson Chourio was a key performer for Milwaukee in the early series, driving in four runs. The Padres, who had a strong home record, faced elimination and needed to win three consecutive games to advance to the NLCS. The pitching matchup featured Dustin May for the Brewers and Nick Pivetta for the Padres, with both pitchers having notable recent performances against each other.

How outlets are covering it

FOX One emphasized the Padres' 'adventurous win' and highlighted the team's ability to avoid elimination after falling behind in the series. Brew Crew Ball focused on the pitching matchup and roster moves, noting the Padres' placement of Mason Miller on the paternity list and the return of Walker Buehler. The primary source from Covers.com provided prop picks for the game, indicating betting interest in the matchup. All sources agreed on the final score and the significance of the game in preventing a Brewers sweep.

Why it matters

The Padres' victory in Game 3 prevented the Brewers from clinching the series and forced a Game 4, keeping the Padres alive in the postseason. The game featured key moments, including a late defensive error by the Brewers and a crucial home run by Jake Cronenworth, which shifted the momentum in favor of San Diego. The result highlighted the Padres' ability to overcome a 2-0 deficit and demonstrated the importance of late-game execution in high-stakes postseason games.

What to watch

Game 4 of the NLDS is scheduled for October 7, 2026, at Petco Park. The Brewers must win this game to advance to the NLCS, while the Padres need another victory to force a Game 5. The series will continue with the Brewers seeking to close out the series and the Padres aiming to complete a comeback. The pitching matchups and roster adjustments will be critical factors in determining the outcome of the remaining games.