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Brewers vs Padres shifts to San Diego on Tuesday night with the National League Division Series hanging in the balance. Milwaukee has taken the first two games, leaving the Padres one loss away from elimination and the Brewers one victory from completing a dramatic sweep.
NLDS Game 3 is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. CT and 6:30 p.m. PT. The game will be televised nationally on FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One. The Padres must quickly recover from two painful defeats, while Milwaukee hopes its comeback formula continues to deliver on the road.
Brewers vs Padres Face a Critical NLDS Turning Point
The Brewers rallied to win both opening games, showing the resilience that helped them post 42 comeback victories during the regular season. Milwaukee has already added two more comeback wins in the postseason, but Game 3 presents a new challenge: ending a lengthy postseason road losing streak.
The Brewers entered Tuesday having lost 11 consecutive postseason games on the road. Their last road playoff victory came in Game 3 of the 2018 National League Championship Series, when they defeated the Dodgers, 4-0. A win in San Diego would not only send Milwaukee to the NLCS but also end the second-longest road postseason skid in MLB history.
History heavily favors the team leading this series. Clubs that have gone ahead 2-0 in a best-of-five postseason series have advanced 83 times in 93 opportunities. Under the current 2-2-1 Division Series format, teams winning the first two games at home have prevailed 33 times in 36 series.
Powerful Starting Pitching Matchup Revealed
Dustin May Takes the Ball for Milwaukee
Right-hander Dustin May will start for the Brewers. He owns a 3.14 career ERA across 16 games, including 13 starts, against the Padres. Milwaukee acquired May at the Trade Deadline, hoping his postseason experience and strong history against San Diego could help him rediscover his form.
May allowed only three earned runs over his first 13 innings with Milwaukee. However, he finished the regular season 1-2 with a 7.61 ERA across his final eight outings. The Brewers could use several additional starters behind him, including Robert Gasser, Shane Drohan and Kyle Harrison, if May has a short outing.
Nick Pivetta Leads San Diego’s Response
The Padres will counter with Nick Pivetta, who has been outstanding since returning from a flexor strain in his right elbow. He posted a 1.64 ERA in five starts after coming back from nearly five months on the injured list.
Pivetta finished the regular season 3-2 with a 2.86 ERA. His Wild Card Series appearance was limited to 3 1/3 innings because San Diego had a rested bullpen and was pursuing a clinching victory. The Padres expect a longer, more forceful performance in this elimination game.
Jackson Chourio Sparks Milwaukee’s Explosive Offense
Jackson Chourio has been one of the defining players of the series. The young outfielder has posted a .958 OPS through the first two games and produced back-to-back multi-RBI performances. His 15 career postseason RBIs are already second in Brewers history, trailing only Ryan Braun’s 16.
Milwaukee’s lineup also features William Contreras, Brice Turang, Christian Yelich and Garrett Mitchell. Joey Ortiz returns at third base, while Jake Bauers moves into the No. 2 spot against the right-handed Pivetta.
San Diego will rely on Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado and Ty France to ignite its offense. France has started the playoffs with seven hits in 15 at-bats, while Machado and Xander Bogaerts have each collected five hits.
Rested Bullpens Could Decide Game 3
Both teams benefited from a travel day before Game 3. Milwaukee’s relievers have combined for nine scoreless innings across the first two games, and closer Trevor Megill, Abner Uribe and Aaron Ashby are expected to be available.
The Padres should also have a fresh bullpen. Mason Miller remains the likely ninth-inning option, with Adrian Morejon available as a setup arm. Michael King, who threw five innings Sunday, could also be used in relief if San Diego needs a high-leverage appearance.
For the Padres, the margin for error is now extremely small. A victory would force the series to continue and restore momentum. A loss would send Milwaukee forward and end San Diego’s postseason run.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Brewers vs Padres Game 3?
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. ET, 8:30 p.m. CT and 6:30 p.m. PT.
How can fans watch the game?
The game will air nationally on FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One.
Who are the starting pitchers?
Dustin May will start for Milwaukee, while Nick Pivetta will take the mound for San Diego.
What is at stake for the Padres?
San Diego must win to avoid elimination. Milwaukee needs one victory to sweep the NLDS and advance.
