The Milwaukee Brewers defeated the San Diego Padres 3-2 in the first game of the National League Division Series. The victory was secured by a solo home run from catcher William Contreras and a defensive play in the ninth inning where a ball bounced off the stadium roof before being caught, preventing a tying run from scoring.
The matchup featured the Brewers, who finished the regular season as the best team in baseball, against the Padres, who advanced through the Wild Card Round by defeating the Chicago Cubs. Jacob Misiorowski made his first postseason start for Milwaukee, while left-hander Robbie Ray started for San Diego. Misiorowski struck out lead-off hitter Fernando Tatis Jr. early in the game, helping to energize the crowd at American Family Field.
The Padres took an early lead in the second inning. Designated hitter Luis Campusano singled into right field with two runners on base to drive in a run, and San Diego added another run on a fielder's choice to make it 2-0. Milwaukee responded in the third inning when Jackson Chourio hit a two-run home run, the hardest-hit homer of his career, to tie the game at two runs each.
Misiorowski pitched four innings, allowing six hits, two runs, and one walk while striking out six batters. The score remained tied through six innings. In the top of the seventh, relief pitcher Abner Uribe faced Tatis and Manny Machado, allowing both to reach base. Uribe then hit first baseman Ty France to load the bases before being replaced by left-hander DL Hall. Hall induced a flyout from Jackson Merrill to escape the jam.
The bottom of the seventh proved decisive for Milwaukee. After retiring two batters on consecutive pitches, Contreras hit a solo home run to right-center field off Adrian Morejon. This was only Contreras' second hit of the season against San Diego pitching, giving the Brewers a 3-2 lead.
The game's final moment occurred in the top of the ninth. Ty France hit what appeared to be a go-ahead two-run home run, but the ball struck one of the trusses in the stadium roof. According to Major League Baseball rules, a ball that hits the roof in fair territory remains live. The ball bounced nearly straight down and was caught by Chourio in left field. The Padres challenged the play, but the call stood for the second out of the inning. Jackson Merrill followed by lining out to right field to end the game.
Game 2 of the best-of-five series is scheduled for Sunday afternoon in Milwaukee and will be broadcast on FS1.