Chourio's Walk-Off Single Seals 2-0 NLDS Lead for Brewers Over Padres

Key points

• Jackson Chourio hit a two-run single off Mason Miller with two outs in the ninth inning to end the game 4-3.
• The Brewers took a 2-0 lead in the NLDS after winning Game 1 3-2 and Game 2 4-3.
• Mason Miller walked three batters to load the bases in the ninth inning, his first six-out save attempt since 2024.
• The Padres, who won 20 of their last 23 regular-season games, must win three consecutive games to advance.
• Chourio, 22 years old, became the second-youngest player to hit a postseason walk-off hit.

Background

The Brewers had already 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 entered the series with a 26-player roster and had swept the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round. The Brewers' victory in Game 2 extends their lead to 2-0, putting the Padres in a must-win situation for Game 3 at Petco Park on October 6, 2026.

How outlets are covering it

Journal Sentinel emphasized the emotional impact of Chourio's performance, noting his reflection on a rookie-year strikeout against Andrés Muñoz that motivated his clutch play. ESPN reported on the statistical significance of Chourio's walk-off hit, highlighting his .327 batting average and five home runs in 14 career postseason games. Fox News focused on the Padres' collapse, quoting Mason Miller's admission that he 'beat himself' by walking three batters in the ninth inning. Anchorage Daily News highlighted the defensive errors by the Brewers, including a bobble by Jake Cronenworth that allowed a run to score in the seventh inning.

Why it matters

The 2-0 series lead gives the Brewers a significant advantage in the NLDS, as the Padres must win three consecutive games to advance. The Padres' recent 20-game winning streak and World Series aspirations have been derailed by two consecutive losses to the Brewers. The outcome of Game 3 at Petco Park will determine whether the Padres can survive the series or are eliminated from the postseason.

What to watch

Game 3 of the NLDS is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Petco Park in San Diego. The Padres must win this game and the next two to avoid elimination. The Brewers will look to extend their lead to 3-0, while the Padres will attempt to reverse the series deficit.