Jake Cronenworth powers Padres past Brewers to stay alive

The San Diego Padres kept their season going Tuesday night, holding off the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 at Petco Park in Game 3 of the National League Division Series. The victory trims Milwaukee’s lead in the best-of-five to 2-1 and guarantees at least one more game in San Diego.

Cronenworth delivers decisive home run

Jake Cronenworth supplied the decisive swing, driving a pitch out for a home run that provided the final margin for the Padres. San Diego had already jumped in front earlier in the game, with Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado each driving in a run to put pressure on the Brewers’ staff.

Milwaukee’s offence was led by William Contreras, who homered and finished with three hits as he tried to drag his club back into the game. Christian Yelich chipped in with an RBI single in the seventh inning, his first postseason run batted in since 2018, but the Brewers spent the night chasing and never held a lead while stranding 11 runners.

King steps in for Miller and slams the door

The Padres had to navigate the late innings without their regular closer, Mason Miller, who was placed on the paternity list roughly 45 minutes before first pitch. That opened the door for Michael King, who had thrown five innings just two days earlier, to handle the final six outs.

King responded by working the last two innings and retiring four of his first five batters. The ninth inning grew tense when Contreras and Brice Turang each drew walks with one out, bringing the potential go-ahead run to the plate and quieting the crowd.

Yelich then lined a ball up the middle, but shortstop Xander Bogaerts smothered it on a short hop and turned it into a game-ending double play, stepping on second and then getting Yelich at first. The play sealed King’s first save with the Padres, his first in the postseason and his first overall since 2023.

Brewers’ road skid continues as series turns to Game 4

Despite Contreras’ big night, the Brewers’ troubles away from home in October persisted. The loss marked their 12th straight postseason defeat on the road, a streak that dates back to the 2018 NL Championship Series.

Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday night at Petco Park, where Milwaukee will get another chance to close out the series. The Padres, buoyed by their narrow escape, will try to ride the momentum to force a winner-take-all Game 5, which would be played Friday in Milwaukee if necessary.