Oct 7, 2026 6:35 AM
Facing elimination, San Diego relied on a gutsy two-inning save from Michael King and Jake Cronenworth’s go-ahead blast to stun the Brewers and prolong their postseason run.
The San Diego Padres season will last at least one more game.
With their backs against the wall, the Padres got the 4-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at a loud Petco Park on Tuesday night.
Superstar closer Mason Miller was placed on the paternity list as his wife is having the couple's first child, and the hope is that Miller can return very soon.
Nick Pivetta got the start for San Diego, and now, the Padres are down 2-1 with Game 4 scheduled for Wednesday.
Here's what went right in the Padres' Game 3 win.
Bullpen delivered...again
Mason Miller wasn't available, and Pivetta went just 4.1 innings. But, the bullpen did its job, which has been the case all season.
Jason Adam went just 0.1 innings, Yuki Matsui threw a scoreless inning and earned the win. Bradgley Rodriguez gave up his first run of the postseason, although he went 1.1 innings with 3 hits and a run along with three strikeouts.
Rodriguez entered in the top of the sixth with two on and two out, and he got Joey Ortiz to fly out to end the inning.
Michael King did Michael King things
Perhaps the biggest surprise was Michael King, who started Game 1, getting the two-inning save in a gutsy performance by the San Diego ace.
King allowed just one hit and walked two, and he threw 40 pitches to end the game and give the Padres the win without Miller and Adrian Morejon (more to come on that mystery later).
Jake Cronenworth!!!!
Coming into the game, Padres fans weren't happy with Jake Cronenworth, and rightfully so.
He had three straight games without a hit, and last postseason, he went hitless in three games.
Cronenworth changed that tone with a pair of hits, including the go-ahead home run.
Craig Stammen
Well, well, well. The Padres manager got ripped to pieces after some questionable choices in Game 2.
In Game 3, he moved Jackson Merrill to No. 2, Gavin Sheets was a scratch and Samad Taylor replaced him, and Ethan Salas batted fifth.
Merrill had a hit, Taylor had a hit, and the Padres had some life.
Jackson Merrill's Gold Glove defense
Even if Merrill isn't hitting, his defense is worth every penny, and that was the case on Tuesday night.
So, the Padres have another chance to keep the season alive, and it comes on Wednesday night against the Brewers.
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