​SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Jake Cronenworth #9 of the San Diego Padres rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game three of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on October 06, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Diego Padres needed something like this to turn the tide. The Friars dropped the first two games in their five-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers. It could have just as easily been 2-0. The Padres were on the wrong end of some misfortunate plays in Games 1 and 2. They made sure that wasn’t the case in Game 3 at home.San Diego got out to an early lead before the Brewers tied the game at two apiece Jake Cronenworth immediately hit a go-ahead solo shot to left field. The Padres added an insurance run on a Milwaukee error that ended up being the difference maker. The Brewers tried to mount a comeback, and got another run, but couldn’t follow through. The Friars will attempt to turn the series back to Milwaukee and force Game 5 tonight. Taking the moundRobert Gasser (MIL) v. Walker Buehler (SD)Gasser’s lack of playoff experience is made up by some incredible recent success. The lefty pitched to a 2.87 ERA down the stretch (36.0 IP). But the Brewers’ pitcher has only played in two postseason games. Both of those contests came in 2025, where Gasser struggled. He surrendered two runs across 2 2/3 innings. The one major question is how he’ll fare against San Diego. Throughout his short career, Gasser has never faced the Padres. That could give him an advantage over the club, but that remains to be seen. Manager Pat Murphy has also suggested that swingman Chad Patrick could be used in bulk relief during Game 4, but that’s up in the air as well. Buehler gets a well-deserved nod for the Padres. He likely would have pitched Game 1 over Robbie Ray, but was on the paternity list to start the series. That gives Buehler a chance to redeem San Diego by forcing Game 5 in Milwaukee. He’s got the postseason tenure to do so, with a 3.04 career ERA in the playoffs (94.2 IP). The veteran right-hander made just one start against the Brewers this season, but pitched quite well against them. Buehler twirled six innings of one-run ball, surrendering just three hits and two walks. If he can replicate that performance (and the offense can back him up), San Diego could force this series back to Milwaukee for Game 5. Batter up!The Padres’ lineup hasn’t fared that well this series. The Brewers actually outhit San Diego 11 to six last night. The Friars just made more of their opportunities. If they can eke out another win (or better yet, blow Milwaukee out), they’ll get a shot at taking the series in Milwaukee on Friday. Fernando Tatis Jr., RFJackson Merrill, CFManny Machado, 3BTy France, 1BGavin Sheets, DHXander Bogaerts, SSLuis Campusano, CDustin Harris, LFJake Cronenworth, 2BTatis has been mired in an absolute s