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Milwaukee Brewers vs Padres timeline details a dramatic Game 3 in the National League Division Series, where San Diego defeated Milwaukee 4-3 at Petco Park on Tuesday, October 7, 2026. The victory kept the Padres alive and forced a crucial Game 4 against the 103-win Brewers.
The Padres entered the night facing major bullpen uncertainty. Adrian Morejon was dealing with shoulder fatigue, while star closer Mason Miller was placed on the paternity list shortly before the game after leaving to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. With both relievers unavailable, Michael King delivered a remarkable performance under enormous pressure.
Milwaukee Brewers vs Padres Timeline: A High-Stakes Game 3
Padres strike first in the third inning
San Diego opened the scoring in the bottom of the third. Samad Taylor singled, stole second, advanced on a sacrifice bunt and crossed home plate on Jackson Merrill’s base hit. Manny Machado then drove Merrill home, giving the Padres an early 2-0 lead.
The Brewers quickly answered. William Contreras hit a solo home run, and Jackson Chourio added a sacrifice fly to bring Milwaukee level. The momentum shifted several times, setting the tone for another tense contest between two evenly matched playoff teams.
Jake Cronenworth delivers a critical response
Jake Cronenworth restored San Diego’s advantage with a leadoff home run in the fifth inning. It was only his second hit of the postseason and his second home run against a left-handed pitcher during the year, making the moment especially significant for the Padres.
San Diego added another run in the sixth through an unusual defensive sequence. Xander Bogaerts avoided the barrel of Miguel Andujar’s broken bat while moving between second and third base. Brewers rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt then made a low throw, and the ball got past first baseman Jake Bauers. Bogaerts scored, putting the Padres ahead 4-2.
Michael King becomes the unlikely hero
By the seventh inning, Padres manager Craig Stammen had already used Jason Adam, Yuki Matsui and Bradgley Rodriguez. Rodriguez allowed a run, trimming San Diego’s lead to 4-3, and Michael King began warming up in the bullpen.
King had started Game 2 on Sunday but threw only 72 pitches. He described that outing as a “glorified bullpen” session and deliberately avoided his normal between-starts throwing routine so he could remain available. Before Game 3, he reminded Stammen that he was ready to contribute if needed.
That preparation proved decisive. King entered in the eighth inning and worked around a single. In the ninth, William Contreras and Brice Turang reached base with one-out walks, placing the tying and winning runs on base.
Christian Yelich then hit a 107.1 mph line drive toward second base. Bogaerts fielded the ball on a hop, stepped on the bag and fired to first for a game-ending double play. King had completed two scoreless innings, preserving the Padres’ season.
Injuries and absences shaped the Padres’ victory
Morejon’s shoulder issue emerged after a Monday catch session. Stammen described the problem as “a little stickiness,” while pitching coach Ruben Niebla said the left-hander was experiencing fatigue. The Padres remained hopeful that Morejon could return for Game 4.
Miller’s absence developed on Tuesday afternoon. His wife went into labor, and the Padres waited several hours to determine whether he could reach the ballpark. At 5:47 p.m. Pacific time, he was officially placed on the paternity list, with Wandy Peralta taking his roster spot.
King said he had no intention of saving his arm for a possible later game. “I know that I have bullets in my arm that I don’t want to save,” he said, emphasizing that the situation demanded immediate action.
What comes next in the NLDS?
The milwaukee brewers vs padres timeline now moves to Game 4, with San Diego carrying renewed confidence and Milwaukee still holding the pressure of a playoff series that has been decided by narrow margins. The Brewers won the first game after a controversial fly ball struck a roof cable, while Game 2 ended on Chourio’s walk-off single against Miller.
- Game 3 result: Padres 4, Brewers 3
- Series situation: San Diego stays alive and forces Game 4
- Key performer: Michael King with two scoreless relief innings
- Important offensive moment: Jake Cronenworth’s fifth-inning home run
- Defensive turning point: Xander Bogaerts’ ninth-inning double play
San Diego will need another complete effort to extend the series further. Milwaukee, meanwhile, will look to finish the Padres after three exhausting games filled with late drama, defensive brilliance and unexpected bullpen decisions.
FAQs about the Milwaukee Brewers vs Padres timeline
What was the final score of Game 3?
The San Diego Padres defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 at Petco Park.
Who was the hero for the Padres?
Michael King was the key figure, throwing scoreless eighth and ninth innings when San Diego’s bullpen was short-handed.
Why was Mason Miller unavailable?
Miller was placed on the paternity list so he could be with his wife for the birth of their first child.
What happened to Adrian Morejon?
Morejon was limited by shoulder fatigue and was unavailable for Game 3, although the Padres hoped he could return for Game 4.
