The San Diego Padres’ potential go-ahead moment in the ninth inning of Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers collapsed when Ty France launched a towering hit to left field that struck the roof of American Family Field and fell directly into Jackson Chourio’s glove for the final out. What looked like a home run instead became a game-ending out, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Brewers on October 3, 2026.
San Diego had taken an early lead by scoring two runs off Milwaukee’s ace, Jacob Misiorowski, before he was pulled in the fourth inning. Misiorowski, who boasts a devastating four-seamer and changeup combination, had been dominant this season, yet the Padres managed to break through early. After that, however, the Friars’ offense faltered. They left twelve runners on base and went just 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, a stark contrast to their earlier postseason form.
Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, two of the Padres’ most reliable bats, each struck out on three pitches in crucial moments, failing to capitalize on opportunities. The pressure to perform will fall heavily on Michael King, who starts for San Diego in Game 2. King impressed in the Wild Card series with a near no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs but will need to maintain that level against a Brewers lineup buoyed by a confident bullpen and home crowd.
Logan Henderson takes the mound for Milwaukee. While Henderson lacks the tenure of Misiorowski, his recent form has been convincing. The right-hander posted a 2.47 ERA over 18 starts this season, lowering it to 1.93 in his final seven outings. Henderson has yet to face the Padres, which could be an advantage, but San Diego’s hitters must avoid chasing pitches if they want to break through.
San Diego’s lineup featured Tatis Jr. in right field, Dustin Harris in left, and Manny Machado at third base. Ty France, who nearly changed the course of the game with his ninth-inning shot, played first base. Jackson Merrill patrolled center field, while Xander Bogaerts, Gavin Sheets, Jake Cronenworth, and Luis Campusano rounded out the starting nine.
Sheets, recovering from a foot injury that sidelined him for much of the regular season’s stretch run, remained mostly a pinch-hitter option in Game 1. His bat was notably absent from the starting lineup in a game where every offensive spark was needed. Whether he will see more action in the series remains to be seen.
The Padres’ bullpen was heavily taxed during the opener. Starter Robbie Ray lasted only 2 2/3 innings, forcing San Diego to rely on Bradgley Rodriguez, Yuki Matsui, Jason Adam, and Adrian Morejon to cover the remaining innings. With heavy usage of relievers, Mason Miller remains the only traditional bullpen arm untouched. The off day on Monday offers a chance for most relievers, except Morejon, who threw two innings and is unlikely to pitch unless absolutely necessary, to be available again.
Matsui and Adam threw just 15 and 16 pitches respectively, suggesting they will be the first options out of the bullpen should King struggle early in Game 2. Randy Vásquez might come in for bulk relief if needed.
The Brewers, buoyed by their bullpen and Henderson’s steady arm, will look to build on their narrow win. The Padres now face the task of shaking off a frustrating loss, where a single ball off the roof turned a potential go-ahead hit into the final out. The series continues later today with King on the mound for San Diego and Henderson starting for Milwaukee.
According to Yahoo Sports.
