The Milwaukee Brewers are one win away from advancing to the NLCS after dominating the National League Division Series with a 2-0 series lead. Their path to the next round was paved by two hard-fought victories at American Family Field, both decided by a single run. Game 1 ended in a 3-2 walk-off win, courtesy of Jackson Chourio’s clutch two-run homer, while Game 2 saw the Brewers rally from a 3-2 deficit to force extra innings before William Contreras delivered the game-winning hit. Now, the series shifts to Petco Park, where the Padres must find a way to halt a Brewers pitching staff that has been nearly flawless in this postseason.
San Diego’s offense, anchored by Manny Machado’s two home runs and 10 career postseason RBIs, will need to step up against a Brewers rotation that has allowed just 1.50 ERA over 18 innings in this series. Nick Pivetta, the Padres’ starter for Game 3, faces a daunting task. The 33-year-old veteran, who finished sixth in NL Cy Young voting last season, has struggled in limited starts this postseason, but his ability to manage a tight game could be the difference. Pivetta’s performance will be critical, as the Brewers have not allowed a home run in this series, and their bullpen has been equally dominant. Dustin May, the Brewers’ starter, has a history of trouble against San Diego, allowing three earned runs over 22 innings in three regular-season starts, but Milwaukee’s lineup—led by Chourio’s postseason dominance (four RBIs in the series)—will be difficult to contain.
The Padres’ lineup, however, is far from helpless. Machado’s postseason power (two home runs, two RBIs) and Michael King’s 14 strikeouts in this postseason provide glimpses of the firepower that could disrupt Milwaukee’s rhythm. Yet, the Brewers’ bullpen, led by Mason Miller’s dominant postseason performance, will be the key to preserving their lead. Miller, who has been nearly untouchable in this series, will likely see action in the late innings, and his ability to close out games will be crucial. The Padres’ bullpen, while strong, has not faced the same level of pressure as Milwaukee’s, and their lack of postseason experience could be a deciding factor.
This Game 3 is more than just a matchup—it’s a test of resilience. The Brewers have shown they can come back from deficits, but the Padres must prove they can break through a Brewers pitching staff that has been impenetrable. With the stakes higher than ever, both teams will be looking for that one moment of brilliance to dictate the series’ outcome. The stage is set at Petco Park, where the Padres’ home crowd will be hoping for a miracle to keep their postseason dreams alive.
