Chourio’s Walk-Off Single Sends Brewers Ahead in NLDS
Jackson Chourio delivered a dramatic conclusion to National League Division Series Game 2 on Wednesday night, hitting a two-run walk-off single off San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller with two outs in the ninth inning. The hit secured a 4-3 victory for the Milwaukee Brewers, giving them a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.
The game remained tightly contested until the final moments, with the Brewers trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the ninth. Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick set the stage for Chourio’s heroics by reaching base via back-to-back walks with one out in the inning. Miller, tasked with preserving the lead, threw a season-high number of pitches throughout his outing, including 102 mph fastballs in the eighth inning. He even reached 104 mph on a fastball to Chourio just before allowing the decisive hit.
The win shifts the momentum significantly in Milwaukee’s favor, leaving the Padres one loss away from elimination. San Diego had appeared to be in control for much of the game, relying on strong pitching and opportunistic scoring to build a lead that ultimately proved fragile against a resilient Brewers lineup.
Padres’ Early Lead Built on Pitching and Errors
San Diego’s path to an early advantage was paved by stellar starting pitching from Michael King, who retired the first 14 batters he faced before allowing runs in the sixth inning. However, the Padres’ offense found its footing in the first inning, scoring their first run on a Ty France single that drove in Manny Machado. Machado had walked and advanced to second base on a wild pitch, setting up the opening score.
The Padres extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth inning, capitalizing on defensive lapses by Milwaukee’s infield. Brewers second baseman Brice Turang and shortstop Cooper Pratt committed errors that allowed San Diego to add crucial runs. These mistakes proved costly as they shifted the game’s dynamic, giving the Padres a cushion that seemed insurmountable for much of the contest.
San Diego further solidified their lead in the seventh inning when Ty France added an RBI single, making the score 3-1. Another run scored shortly after on a ground ball error by David Hamilton, pushing the deficit to 3-0 and putting significant pressure on the Brewers’ offense to mount a comeback.
Brewers’ Late Rally Highlights Defensive Struggles
Despite the early deficit, the Brewers refused to fold. Their persistence was evident in the eighth inning when Garrett Mitchell scored on a throwing error by first baseman Jake Cronenworth. The run cut the lead to 3-2, injecting new life into Milwaukee’s lineup and setting up the tension-filled ninth inning.
The game’s final frame showcased the high stakes of the playoff series. With Miller on the mound for San Diego, the Brewers’ hitters targeted his fatigue, evidenced by the season-high pitch count he had accumulated. The back-to-back walks to Yelich and Frelick created a bases-loaded situation that Miller could not escape.
Chourio’s walk-off single not only ended the game but also highlighted the volatility of postseason baseball. One moment, the Padres were poised to take control of the series; the next, they found themselves on the brink of elimination after a costly defensive error and a clutch hit from Milwaukee’s young star.
The Brewers’ ability to overcome early deficits and capitalize on late-inning opportunities underscores their resilience. As the series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3, the Padres must address their defensive lapses and find a way to contain Chourio and his teammates if they hope to stay alive in the NLDS.