San Diego Padres blow late lead as star closer Mason Miller crumbles in brutal walk-off to Brewers
Padres Fall Short in Elimination Game, Must Rally in Game 3
San Diego – The San Diego Padres’ high‑octane finish to the regular season and a sweep of the Chicago Cubs in the Wild‑Card round did not carry into their National League Division Series matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers. In Game 2, held Sunday night at Miller Park, the Padres were defeated 4‑3, leaving the club trailing 2‑0 in a best‑of‑five series and facing elimination.
San Diego opened the contest with a 2‑0 lead. Ty France and Dustin Harris each delivered RBI hits that put the Padres ahead before the first inning concluded. Milwaukee answered early, though. Sal Frelick’s single drove in a run, and a defensive miscue by San Diego helped keep the score close.
The decisive moment came in the ninth inning. Manager Craig Stammen, who had brought in All‑Star closer Mason Miller to record a six‑out save, saw the pitcher’s control evaporate. Miller had been sharp through 12 pitches in the eighth, but the following inning he issued three walks to load the bases without allowing a hit. The bases‑loaded situation set the stage for Jackson Chourio’s walk‑off two‑run single, which finished the game for Milwaukee.
Miller was candid in the locker room. “Terrible,” he said. “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.” He added, “The cardinal rule is pretty much: You don’t beat yourself. And I beat myself today. I mean, a base hit with nobody on doesn’t win them the game. A base hit after you walk the bases loaded does.”
Stammen defended his decision to keep Miller in the game. “Top of the lineup in the eighth probably made that decision for Mason,” he explained. “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.”
The loss puts the Padres in a tough spot. With Milwaukee up 2‑0, San Diego must win three straight games to stay alive in the playoffs and keep their world‑series hopes alive. Game 3 will be played Tuesday night at Petco Park.
The Padres had entered October with momentum, winning 20 of their last 23 regular‑season games, but the Brewers’ strong postseason performance has exposed a vulnerability that the Padres need to address if they are to extend their season.