Chourio's Walk-Off Single Ends Padres' Playoff Run, Giving Brewers 2-0 NLDS Lead

Key points

• Jackson Chourio hit a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Brewers a 4-3 win and a 2-0 series lead.
• Padres closer Mason Miller walked three batters in the ninth inning without giving up a hit, loading the bases for Chourio.
• The Padres, who finished the regular season with a 20-game winning streak, now face elimination in Game 3 at Petco Park.
• Chourio's hit marked his 14th and 15th RBI in postseason play, highlighting his clutch performance in October.
• Brewers manager and players credited the patience of Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick, and Gary Sanchez for drawing walks to set up the walk-off.

Background

The Brewers entered the 2026 postseason as the second-favorite behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, having finished the regular season with the best record. They won Game 1 of the NLDS 3-2 on October 3, 2026, after a controversial ruling involving a ball striking the stadium roof. The Padres had swept the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round and entered the series with a 26-player roster, including 11 pitchers and 15 position players. The Brewers' victory in Game 2 extends their momentum, while the Padres' loss marks a sharp decline from their regular-season form.

How outlets are covering it

Bleacher Report emphasized the dramatic nature of Chourio's walk-off single, noting it was a line-drive hit to center field that scored the tying and winning runs. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted Chourio's 'October swagger' and his 14th and 15th postseason RBIs, while also praising the patience of Yelich, Frelick, and Sanchez in drawing walks. Fox News focused on the collapse of Padres closer Mason Miller, quoting his postgame admission that he 'beat himself' by losing control in the ninth inning. Fox News also noted that San Diego manager Craig Stammen defended using Miller for six outs, citing the quick pace of the eighth inning. ESPN's coverage was unavailable due to a 403 error, so no additional perspective could be synthesized from that source.

Why it matters

The 2-0 series lead puts the Brewers in a strong position to advance to the National League Championship Series, while the Padres face elimination after a dominant regular season. Chourio's performance underscores the Brewers' ability to execute in high-pressure situations, a trait that has been a factor in their postseason success. For the Padres, the loss highlights the risks of relying on a single closer for multiple innings, as Miller's command issues in the ninth inning directly led to the walk-off hit. The series will continue at Petco Park, where the Padres must win three consecutive games to keep their season alive.

What to watch

Game 3 of the NLDS is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Petco Park in San Diego. The Brewers will aim to close out the series, while the Padres must win three straight games to avoid elimination. The outcome of Game 3 will determine whether the series continues to Game 4 or if the Brewers advance to the NLCS.