The Milwaukee Brewers can absolutely clinch the National League Division Series tonight in Game 3, and Petco Park is about to get LOUD. October 6th is the date for a potential series clincher, and it’s all coming down to a showdown between two veteran right-handers who know what playoff pressure feels like.
May’s Rocky Road, Secret Weapon Status
Brewers fans, you’re either buzzing or biting your nails because Dustin May is getting the ball for what could be the biggest game of their season. On the surface, his 7-9 record and 4.70 earned run average over 31 starts this year look, well, not great, right? He’s punched out 144 in 145 ⅔ innings with a 1.318 WHIP, but those numbers aren’t exactly screaming “ace.” He’s given up 14 homers and walked 50.
But hold up a second. This guy has playoff experience, pitching in nine games, allowing just six earned runs in 14 innings for a 3.86 earned run average. That’s a different beast entirely. And here’s the real kicker: May absolutely DOMINATED the Padres earlier this season. He threw a complete shutout against them while he was with the Cardinals! Even after coming over to the Brewers at the trade deadline, his best start was at Petco Park in August, where he went seven innings and only gave up one run. So, yeah, he’s got history making the Padres uncomfortable in their own house.
His last time out, September 26th against St. Louis, wasn’t spectacular, giving up two runs on three hits and a walk in three innings. But the man himself sounds like he’s found something. He said, “It’s not the easiest, but I definitely attribute a lot to the coaching staff trying to still work with me and figure some stuff out. We’ve kind of nailed some things in this last week or so. Hopefully, stuff comes to a little bit of better fruition [Tuesday].” Brewers fans have to hope “nailed some things in this last week” translates to May shutting down the Friars tonight.
Pivetta’s Silent Return and Padres’ Wild Card
On the other side, the San Diego Padres are handing the ball to Nick Pivetta, a 33-year-old righty with ten MLB seasons under his belt. Pivetta’s a bit of a wild card here, largely because he missed a full four months with a right elbow flexor strain. Yikes, right? You’d think that would be a huge red flag heading into a potential elimination game.
But get this: since he returned in September, he’s been phenomenal. Pivetta’s posted a 3-2 record with a sparkling 2.86 earned run average in eight starts, striking out 42 in 34 ⅔ innings with a fantastic 1.010 WHIP. He’s only given up two homers and walked eight. Even more impressive, over his four starts (18 ⅔ innings) upon returning from that elbow strain, he allowed just three earned runs. That’s clutch pitching when it matters most.
He’s got playoff experience too, five games where he’s given up seven earned runs in 22 innings, for a 2.86 earned run average. That’s solid. Interestingly, he hasn’t faced the Brewers at all this year, so that’s a fresh look for both sides. When asked about his game plan, Pivetta kept it short and sweet, saying, “I’m not going to talk about game plans at all. Just going to go out and pitch [Tuesday] right now.” A man of few words, and hopefully, many scoreless innings for Padres fans.
Tonight is everything. It’s May, who’s been a mystery but clearly owns Petco against the Padres, versus Pivetta, the comeback kid who’s been lights out since his return from injury. Can May pull out another magic performance where it counts? Or will Pivetta continue his incredible September form and force a Game 4? Get ready, because this is going to be a tense, wild ride tonight with the Brewers looking to close it out!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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