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Padres score a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night, keeping San Diego alive in the National League Division Series and forcing a pivotal Game 4 at Petco Park. With their season in danger, the Padres relied on an unlikely hero in a high-pressure situation.
Michael King, who had started Game 2 on Sunday, came out of the bullpen and recorded the final six outs. His two scoreless innings preserved the lead and delivered one of the most critical moments of San Diego’s postseason run.
Padres Score 4-3 Win as Michael King Becomes the Hero
King had already told teammates and coaches that he would be available for the next two games. That decision became even more important when Adrian Morejon experienced stiffness and fatigue in his left shoulder, while closer Mason Miller was placed on the paternity list shortly before first pitch.
Rather than wait for a potential Game 5, King made his availability clear. Padres manager Craig Stammen eventually called on him in the eighth inning, and the right-hander responded with the composure of a veteran closer.
“He’s a beast,” reliever Jason Adam said, according to ESPN. “Incredibly impressive, and such a team guy.”
King allowed a single in the eighth but avoided trouble. The ninth inning brought even more pressure when William Contreras and Brice Turang reached base with one-out walks. The Brewers had the tying and winning runs aboard, threatening to turn the game around.
Christian Yelich then sent a hard line drive toward second base. Xander Bogaerts made a crucial defensive play, fielding the ball on a hop before stepping on the bag and throwing to first for a game-ending double play.
Critical Padres Offense Delivers the Lead
The Padres took control early against a Milwaukee team that won 103 games during the regular season. Samad Taylor started the third inning with a single, stole second and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Jackson Merrill followed with a run-scoring single, and Manny Machado drove Merrill home to give San Diego a 2-0 advantage.
The Brewers fought back in the fourth. Contreras hit a solo home run, and Jackson Chourio added a sacrifice fly to tie the game. San Diego, however, quickly regained its momentum.
Jake Cronenworth opened the fifth inning with a home run, putting the Padres back in front. It was only his second hit of the playoffs and his second home run against a left-handed pitcher all season, making the breakthrough especially significant.
San Diego added another run in the sixth after a defensive miscue. Xander Bogaerts avoided a broken bat near second base, disrupting the play enough for Cooper Pratt’s throw to first to sail low. The ball skipped past Jake Bauers, allowing Bogaerts to score and giving the Padres a 4-2 lead.
Milwaukee scored once in the seventh, but the Padres’ bullpen held firm. Bradgley Rodriguez worked through the seventh before King entered to protect the narrow advantage.
Padres Stay Alive Despite Major Bullpen Challenges
The victory was particularly impressive because San Diego had to adjust its pitching plan throughout the day. Morejon was not fully ruled out, but the club wanted to avoid using him because of his shoulder issue. Miller’s unexpected absence created another major hole in the late-inning plan.
Miller’s wife went into labor Tuesday afternoon, and the closer remained with his family for the birth of their first child. Wandy Peralta replaced him on the roster, leaving the Padres without one of their most trusted relief options.
King had thrown only 72 pitches in his Game 2 start and skipped his usual between-start bullpen session so he could remain available. That preparation proved decisive. His willingness to accept a relief role gave San Diego the flexibility it needed when the game reached its most important stages.
- Final score: Padres 4, Brewers 3
- Michael King recorded the final six outs
- Jake Cronenworth hit the go-ahead home run
- Xander Bogaerts ended the game with a double play
- San Diego forced Game 4 in the NLDS
What the Padres Score Means for Game 4
The Padres entered the night facing elimination after losing the first two games of the series. Game 1 ended in heartbreaking fashion when a potential tying home run from Ty France struck a roof cable. In Game 2, Chourio delivered a walk-off single against Miller with the bases loaded.
Tuesday’s win changed the tone of the series. San Diego showed resilience, timely hitting and outstanding defense while surviving another tense finish. Jackson Merrill made two spectacular catches, Bogaerts delivered the decisive defensive play, and King provided the shutdown relief performance the team desperately needed.
Morejon and Miller could potentially return for Game 4, giving the Padres a chance to strengthen their bullpen. The Brewers, meanwhile, still hold a 2-1 series advantage and need only one more victory to advance.
For San Diego, the message is simple: the season continues. As Machado and Stammen emphasized after the game, the Padres will need to bring the same energy into another demanding contest at Petco Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Padres score against the Brewers?
The Padres defeated the Brewers 4-3 in Game 3 of the National League Division Series.
Who was the Padres’ key pitcher?
Michael King was the key pitcher. He entered in the eighth inning and recorded six outs to preserve San Diego’s one-run lead.
Who hit the go-ahead home run?
Jake Cronenworth hit a leadoff home run in the fifth inning to put the Padres back in front.
Why was Mason Miller unavailable?
Mason Miller was placed on the paternity list after leaving the team for the birth of his first child.
What does the win mean for the NLDS?
The victory kept San Diego alive and forced a Game 4. Milwaukee still leads the best-of-five series 2-1.
