The San Diego Padres needed something like this to turn the tide. The Friars dropped the first two games in their five-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. It could have just as easily been 2-0. The Padres were on the wrong end of some misfortunate plays in Games 1 and 2. They made sure that wasn’t the case in Game 3 at home.
San Diego got out to an early lead before the Brewers tied the game at two apiece Jake Cronenworth immediately hit a go-ahead solo shot to left field. The Padres added an insurance
run on a Milwaukee error that ended up being the difference maker. The Brewers tried to mount a comeback, and got another run, but couldn’t follow through. The Friars will attempt to turn the series back to Milwaukee and force Game 5 tonight.
Taking the mound
Robert Gasser (MIL) v. Walker Buehler (SD)
Gasser’s lack of playoff experience is made up by some incredible recent success. The lefty pitched to a 2.87 ERA down the stretch (36.0 IP). But the Brewers’ pitcher has only played in two postseason games. Both of those contests came in 2025, where Gasser struggled. He surrendered two runs across 2 2/3 innings.
The one major question is how he’ll fare against San Diego. Throughout his short career, Gasser has never faced the Padres. That could give him an advantage over the club, but that remains to be seen. Manager Pat Murphy has also suggested that swingman Chad Patrick could be used in bulk relief during Game 4, but that’s up in the air as well.
Buehler gets a well-deserved nod for the Padres. He likely would have pitched Game 1 over Robbie Ray, but was on the paternity list to start the series. That gives Buehler a chance to redeem San Diego by forcing Game 5 in Milwaukee. He’s got the postseason tenure to do so, with a 3.04 career ERA in the playoffs (94.2 IP).
The veteran right-hander made just one start against the Brewers this season, but pitched quite well against them. Buehler twirled six innings of one-run ball, surrendering just three hits and two walks. If he can replicate that performance (and the offense can back him up), San Diego could force this series back to Milwaukee for Game 5.
Batter up!
The Padres’ lineup hasn’t fared that well this series. The Brewers actually outhit San Diego 11 to six last night. The Friars just made more of their opportunities. If they can eke out another win (or better yet, blow Milwaukee out), they’ll get a shot at taking the series in Milwaukee on Friday.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., RF
- Jackson Merrill, CF
- Manny Machado, 3B
- Ty France, 1B
- Gavin Sheets, DH
- Xander Bogaerts, SS
- Luis Campusano, C
- Dustin Harris, LF
- Jake Cronenworth, 2B
Tatis has been mired in an absolute slump this series. He’s gone an abysmal 1-for-14 (.071) with four strikeouts. The star right fielder did record a crucial RBI on a ground out in Game 3, but San Diego needs more from Tatis if they’re to keep their season alive. He’s been a monster in the playoffs before (.952 career postseason OPS), he just needs to unlock it at the right time.
Relief corps
It’s all hands on deck yet again as San Diego tries to avert disaster. Starter Nick Pivetta went a solid 4 1/3 innings of two-run ball before Jason Adam struggled to finish the fifth inning. Yuki Matsui ended the trouble before Bradgley Rodriguez covered the seventh. Then, in a surprise twist, ace Michael King pitched the final two innings. Despite some fireworks in the end, King closed out the win for San Diego.
It was odd to not see southpaw Adrian Morejon in the ninth inning with two lefties up to bat. However, it’s been revealed that Morejon is dealing with some stickiness in his throwing shoulder. With elite closer Mason Miller on the paternity list, the Friars could be without their two highest-leverage options. The Padres’ primary options out of the ‘pen are David Morgan and Wandy Peralta, neither of whom pitched in last night’s contest.
