The San Diego Padres' momentum from a strong regular season and Wild Card round sweep came to an abrupt end on Sunday in Milwaukee. A 4-3 loss to the Brewers in Game 2 of the National League Division Series has left the Padres trailing 2-0 and facing elimination.
The Padres built an early lead behind RBI plays from Ty France and Dustin Harris, but the Brewers answered with an RBI single from Sal Frelick and a Padres fielding error to keep the score tight. San Diego's All-Star closer Mason Miller was brought in for a six-out save in the eighth inning, and he worked a clean 12-pitch frame. However, his command collapsed in the ninth inning, as he walked three batters to load the bases without giving up a hit.
Miller was blunt about his performance in the clubhouse after the game. "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." Miller pointed to his loss of control in the final frame as the reason for the loss.
Padres manager Craig Stammen defended his decision to use Miller for two innings, suggesting that the quick eighth inning was a factor. The team now faces a daunting task: winning three straight games to keep its season alive. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday at Petco Park.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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