Mason Miller’s uncharacteristic 9th-inning struggles put Padres on the verge of playoff elimination

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Mason Miller's emergence as the top closer in the major leagues helped secure San Diego's playoff berth. However, his uncharacteristic struggles in the ninth inning on Sunday have placed the Padres on the verge of elimination. The two-time All-Star closer failed to meet control standards, loading the bases in the ninth inning with the Padres trailing 3-2 against Milwaukee.

Jackson Chourio answered with a walk-off two-run single to give the Brewers a 4-3 victory. San Diego now sits in a 2-0 deficit in the NL Division Series heading into Game 3 on Tuesday. "I didn't do my job today, so instead of being here with a win and a series tie, we're in a hole," Miller admitted. Miller's failure to secure his first six-out save since 2024 came the day after a similar defeat from the previous week.

First baseman Ty France lamented, "Two really good games that didn't go our way. Just go back home and play each game like it's our last." San Diego's inability to protect two-run leads in both games is a stark contrast to their usual season performance, bolstered by a deep relief staff. Miller, who led the bullpen with 38 saves and a 1.67 ERA, threw a season-high 40 pitches in the ninth inning, but said it didn't affect him.

Despite the setback, San Diego remains optimistic they can rebound, with Miller likely playing a pivotal role in any turnaround.