Key play decides tense ninth
The Milwaukee Brewers escaped a late scare to beat the San Diego Padres 3-2 in the opening game of their National League Division Series on Saturday after an unusual turn of events in the ninth inning. With one out and a San Diego runner on first, Ty France lofted a drive to left field off Brewers closer Trevor Megill that struck a roof cable, remained in play and was caught by Jackson Chourio for the second out.
Megill closes it out
After the cable-interrupted catch, Megill retired Jackson Merrill on a fly ball to right field for the final out, sealing the victory for Milwaukee. The sequence preserved the Brewers' one-run advantage and handed them the series opener on their home field.
Manager credits a morale boost
Brewers manager Pat Murphy credited the club’s longtime broadcaster Bob Uecker with providing an unlikely lift in the ninth inning that helped the team hold on. The odd deflection and subsequent catch capped a dramatic finish to a tightly contested postseason opener.
Series context
The win gives Milwaukee momentum heading into the remainder of the NLDS, while the Padres will look to bounce back in the next game. The outcome hinged on a rare and decisive play, underscoring how small margins and unusual circumstances can shape postseason baseball.