Milwaukee grabbed a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five series against the Padres, after ace closer Mason Miller ran out of gas deep into the ninth inning, leaving San Diego absolutely reeling. After Saturday’s controversial ending to Game 1, you’d think the Padres were ready to wipe the slate clean and even things up, but Miller’s struggles threw a wrench right into those plans.
Miller’s Meltdown Leaves Padres Dazed
The Padres had a slim 3-2 lead and tasked Mason Miller with getting a whopping six outs. It looked like he was cooked. Deep into the ninth, the Brewers strung together a series of strong at-bats against him. Miller walked three batters in the inning, and his slider was backing up, clearly showing he was wearing down. Then came the moment of truth: with the bases loaded, Jackson Chourio fouled off a ferocious 103 mph fastball, a missile on the outer edge and down, just to stay alive. Miller tried again with a slider that missed, then came back with a 101 mph heater right down the pipe. Chourio didn’t miss, lining a single to right field that scored two runs. Just like that, Milwaukee took a 2-0 lead in the series. What a punch to the gut for San Diego, who now face an uphill battle.
Braves Bullpen Brawls Back to Even Series
Over in the National League, pitching also ruled the Braves at Dodgers Game 2, but with a completely different outcome. The Braves, practically operating without starting pitching, relied on a bullpen game to build a slim lead and hold on. Blake Snell was terrible for the Dodgers, walking five in a short 3.2 innings, but somehow escaped with only one run allowed. Still, that good fortune wasn’t enough. The Braves chipped away, adding single runs in the fifth and seventh innings. Ace reliever Didier Fuentes carried the Braves’ bullpen through 3.2 innings of his own, only giving up a solo shot to Max Muncy with two outs in the ninth, making it a tight 3-2. Raisel Iglesias came on to get the final out, and just like that, the series is even at a game apiece. Now they’re heading to Atlanta for the next two games on Tuesday and Wednesday. This series is wide open, folks.
AL Showdowns: Aces and Acquired Arms on the Mound
Monday afternoon, the American League side of the bracket kicks into high gear. Both the Rays and White Sox are up 1-0 over their opponents, and they’re looking to push that lead. The White Sox are hoping to put the Guardians in a deep 2-0 hole, sending LHP Anthony Kay (10-9, 4.44 ERA) to the mound. He’ll be facing off against tough right-hander Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.75 ERA) from Progressive Field. That game starts at 5:00 p.m. ET on TBS. Meanwhile, the Yankees desperately need their ace to win them a game against the Rays. RHP Cam Schlittler (14-6, 1.95 ERA) is slated to take on a rejuvenated RHP Freddy Peralta (10-11, 4.42 ERA), who has been pitching much better since the Rays acquired him from the Mets. That one kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET from Tropicana Field, also on TBS. It’s going to be a tense night for those fanbases!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bless You Boys.
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