Brewers Seek Sweep Against Padres in Game 3
The Milwaukee Brewers hold a commanding 2-0 lead over the San Diego Padres heading into NLDS Game 3 on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The series shifts to Petco Park for this decisive matchup, where the Brewers aim to complete a sweep of their National League Division Series opponent.
While Milwaukee enters the contest with momentum, the Padres have demonstrated resilience throughout the postseason. San Diego has scored first in all four of their playoff games this year and held 2-0 leads in each game of this series against Milwaukee before ultimately falling short in both contests. The Padres also boast a formidable home record, finishing the regular season 51-30 at Petco Park.
Pitching Matchup: May Returns to Face Former Team
The Brewers will rely on Dustin May to take the mound for Game 3. May, who serves as Milwaukee's third starter, brings a mixed bag of statistics into this high-leverage situation. During the regular season with the Brewers and Cardinals, he posted a 7-9 record with a 4.70 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. His performance on the road was less effective, resulting in a 5.88 ERA away from home.
However, May has historically struggled against San Diego. In two regular-season appearances against the Padres this year, he threw 15 innings and allowed only two earned runs on four hits. This included a complete-game, one-hit shutout while he was still with the Cardinals. Over his career, May holds a 3.14 ERA in 86 innings pitched against San Diego.
This game marks a significant milestone for May, as it is his first postseason appearance in six years. He will face off against Padres starter Nick Pivetta, who enters the game with a 3-2 record, a 2.86 ERA, and a 1.01 WHIP during the regular season.
Brewers Hitters Eyeing Pivetta
The Milwaukee lineup has found success against Pivetta in the past. Brewers hitters are 7-for-18 against him in their career, including four extra-base hits. This historical advantage has led to specific player prop recommendations for Christian Yelich, who is suggested to record two or more total bases against the Padres starter.
Bullpen Dominance and Series History
One of Milwaukee's strongest assets in this series has been their relief corps. The Brewers bullpen has not allowed any runs across nine innings of play in this series, providing a stable foundation for their starters. This defensive stability contrasts with the struggles seen in Game 2, where Padres closer Mason Miller walked three hitters and surrendered a two-run single before the Brewers secured the victory.
Game 1 also featured a unique moment when Ty France hit a ball that struck a cable near the roof of American Family Field in the ninth inning. As the series moves to San Diego, the Brewers will look to maintain their bullpen's shutout streak while overcoming the Padres' home-field advantage and early-inning scoring tendencies.
Betting Landscape for Game 3
With the series on the line, betting markets have opened up for the matchup. Prediction markets are available on platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket US for the NLDS Game 3 taking place on Tuesday, October 6.
Outkick (FOX News) has reported picks favoring the over 7 runs for this game, citing Dustin May's recent road performance as a key factor. Despite his success against San Diego in the regular season, May's 5.88 ERA on the road suggests potential vulnerability. Conversely, the Brewers' ability to score first and their bullpen's perfection in the series so far may keep the total lower than expected.
As the Brewers attempt to sweep the Padres at Petco Park, all eyes will be on whether May can replicate his regular-season success against San Diego or if Pivetta and the Padres' offense can force a Game 4.