The San Diego Padres, who had built significant momentum by winning 20 of their final 23 regular season games and sweeping the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card round, saw that energy dissipate on Sunday in Milwaukee. A 4-3 defeat to the Brewers in Game 2 leaves the Padres facing a daunting 2-0 deficit in the National League Division Series, pushing them to the brink of elimination.
Early Lead Evaporates
San Diego initially established a lead with runs driven in by Ty France and Dustin Harris. However, Milwaukee responded, with Sal Frelick contributing an RBI single and a fielding error by the Padres allowing the Brewers to keep the score tight throughout the contest.
Miller's Ninth Inning Collapse
Padres manager Craig Stammen called upon All-Star closer Mason Miller for a critical six-out save opportunity. Miller navigated a flawless 12-pitch eighth inning, but his command faltered dramatically in the ninth. Miller issued three consecutive walks, loading the bases without surrendering a single hit, which then set the stage for Jackson Chourio's game-winning two-run single.
"Terrible," Miller stated bluntly in the clubhouse after the game. "I didn't do my job today, so instead of being in here with a win and a series tie, we're in a hole, so it feels pretty bad."
Miller directly attributed the loss to his inability to control the strike zone in the decisive frame.
"The cardinal rule is pretty much: You don't beat yourself. And I beat myself today," Miller explained. "I mean, a base hit with nobody on doesn't win them the game. A base hit after you walk the bases loaded does."
Manager Stammen defended his decision to deploy Miller for two innings.
"Top of the lineup in the eighth probably made that decision for Mason," Stammen commented. "Going into the game, we were thinking of Mason for six outs anyway, especially how quick the eighth inning went for him. He was just battling the strike zone there at the end."
Postseason Aspirations on the Line
The Padres' locker room was understandably despondent following the loss. Conceding a winnable playoff game due to three unforced walks proved to be a significant emotional blow to the team.
Coming into October, San Diego harbored aspirations of a World Series run. However, the Milwaukee Brewers demonstrated a stronger competitive drive, effectively dismantling those hopes in the early stages of the series.
Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at Petco Park. Trailing 2-0, San Diego now faces the formidable challenge of winning three consecutive games to extend their season and keep their postseason dreams alive.