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The brewer game against the San Diego Padres carries enormous postseason pressure as Milwaukee attempts to build on its dramatic Game 3 victory and force a decisive contest. The Brewers will send left-hander Robert Gasser to the mound, while San Diego counters with veteran right-hander Walker Buehler in a critical National League Division Series matchup.
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT, or 9 p.m. CT, and will be televised nationally on FS1, FOX Deportes and FOX One. The Padres currently lead the best-of-five series, but Milwaukee stayed alive with a hard-fought win in San Diego.
Brewer Game Preview: Milwaukee Faces Historic Road Challenge
The Brewers are trying to end one of the most frustrating postseason stretches in franchise history. Milwaukee has lost 12 consecutive playoff games on the road, with its last postseason road victory coming against Walker Buehler and the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the 2018 National League Championship Series.
That history adds another layer of urgency to this brewer game. A loss would send the Brewers back home for Game 5, where ace Jacob Misiorowski could start. However, using Misiorowski in a potential bullpen role during Game 4 remains possible, and doing so could affect Milwaukee’s pitching plans if the club advances to the NL Championship Series.
Teams that lose the first two games of a best-of-five series before winning Game 3 have forced a Game 5 in 18 of 39 instances, according to MLB postseason records. Ten of those teams eventually completed the comeback and won the series.
Powerful Pitching Matchup: Gasser vs. Buehler
Robert Gasser Gives Milwaukee a Versatile Option
Gasser, a 27-year-old left-hander, will make the start for Milwaukee. The Brewers acquired him from the Padres in the 2022 trade that sent Josh Hader to San Diego, giving this matchup an intriguing personal connection.
Gasser finished the regular season strongly, posting a 1.67 ERA across his final six outings. He has experience working multiple innings and could be asked to carry a substantial workload if the Brewers need to protect their bullpen. Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy also has Shane Drohan and Chad Patrick available as potential multi-inning options.
Walker Buehler Brings Postseason Experience
Buehler will make his return to the postseason mound after closing out the 2024 World Series for the Dodgers. The nine-year veteran owns a 3.04 career postseason ERA across 19 appearances and has made 18 playoff starts.
Although Buehler’s regular-season record was 9-6 with a 4.63 ERA, the Padres trusted him throughout the second half. San Diego went 10-3 in his second-half starts, and his ability to use command and deception instead of relying solely on velocity has made him a steady rotation presence.
Brewers and Padres Lineups Revealed
Milwaukee will use its fourth different lineup in four games. Christian Yelich moves into the No. 2 spot after collecting two hits in Game 3, while Brice Turang remains in the cleanup position. Turang had been struggling before recording a seventh-inning single that ended an extended postseason slump.
- Jackson Chourio, left field
- Christian Yelich, designated hitter
- William Contreras, catcher
- Brice Turang, second base
- Jake Bauers, first base
- Cooper Pratt, shortstop
- Sal Frelick, right field
- Garrett Mitchell, center field
- Joey Ortiz, third base
San Diego will start Austin Hays as the designated hitter and bat him fifth. The move places Samad Taylor in left field, while Dustin Harris will begin the game on the bench against the left-handed Gasser.
- Fernando Tatis Jr., right field
- Jackson Merrill, center field
- Manny Machado, third base
- Ty France, first base
- Austin Hays, designated hitter
- Xander Bogaerts, shortstop
- Luis Campusano, catcher
- Jake Cronenworth, second base
- Samad Taylor, left field
Critical Bullpen Concerns Could Decide the Brewer Game
The Padres used Michael King as a closer in Game 3 after he started Game 2, pitching the final two innings to preserve San Diego’s win. Several other relievers, including Bradgley Rodriguez, Yuki Matsui and Jason Adam, also worked Tuesday night.
San Diego did receive a boost before Game 4 when closer Mason Miller was activated from the paternity list. Adrian Morejon’s availability remained unclear after he experienced shoulder fatigue. Joe Musgrove could be called upon in a high-leverage situation if the Padres’ bullpen is not fully rested.
Milwaukee has Aaron Ashby and Trevor Megill rested after neither pitcher appeared in Game 3. That advantage could become especially important if Gasser exits early.
Players to Watch as NLDS Pressure Builds
William Contreras has been one of Milwaukee’s best hitters in the series, going 4-for-11 with three hits and his second home run of the NLDS in Game 3. Yelich is 4-for-10 with a double and his first RBI since Game 7 of the 2018 NLCS.
For San Diego, Machado has been outstanding, hitting .375 with a 1.212 OPS in the postseason. Ty France and Bogaerts are also producing consistently. Tatis Jr., however, is searching for a turnaround after going 1-for-18 since recording two hits in the Wild Card Series.
With a historic road streak, exhausted bullpens and a possible elimination scenario all in play, this brewer game could become the defining contest of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Brewers vs. Padres Game 4?
Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m. PT, or 9 p.m. CT.
Who is starting for the Brewers?
Robert Gasser will start for Milwaukee. The left-hander posted a 1.67 ERA over his final six regular-season outings.
Who is pitching for the Padres?
Walker Buehler will start for San Diego. He has extensive postseason experience and a 3.04 career playoff ERA.
What is at stake for Milwaukee?
The Brewers are trying to avoid elimination and end a 12-game postseason road losing streak. A victory would force a decisive Game 5.
