The Milwaukee Brewers are returning to the National League Championship Series. And Garrett Mitchell made sure they got there. Milwaukee defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1 Wednesday night, winning its Division Series in four games.
The win featured strong pitching, timely offense and one remarkable defensive play. Mitchell robbed Manny Machado of a potential game-tying home run in the eighth inning, preserving Milwaukee's narrow advantage.
It was the kind of moment that can define an entire postseason. And it came at exactly the right time.
Garrett Mitchell delivers at both ends
Mitchell's contribution extended well beyond his spectacular catch. The Brewers outfielder recorded two hits, drove in a run and scored another. His leadoff triple in the fifth inning helped create the opportunity for Jackson Chourio to deliver the go-ahead RBI single.
GARRETT MITCHELL TAKES AWAY A GAME-TYING HOME RUN 🤯 https://t.co/UVjEXP3VA7
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2026Chourio's hit also carried historical significance. At just 22 years old, he became Milwaukee's career postseason RBI leader with 17, passing Ryan Braun.
The Brewers added another run in the sixth inning on a sacrifice fly from Sal Frelick.
But the biggest defensive moment came later. Machado drove a ball toward the outfield wall with San Diego threatening to erase Milwaukee's advantage. Mitchell tracked the ball and made the catch, taking away what could have been a crucial home run. The play helped preserve the Brewers' lead and shifted the pressure back onto San Diego.
Milwaukee's pitching staff finished the job.
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Aaron Ashby delivered three scoreless innings in relief to earn the victory. Robert Gasser allowed one run over four innings as Milwaukee's starter. Trevor Megill closed out the game, earning his second save of the series.
Fernando Tatis Jr. provided San Diego's only run with a solo home run.
The win also ended Milwaukee's 12-game postseason road losing streak, a skid that dated back to 2018.
Now the Brewers face an even bigger challenge. The Los Angeles Dodgers.
Milwaukee and Los Angeles will meet in the NLCS for the second consecutive season. The Dodgers eliminated Atlanta on Wednesday, setting up a rematch between two of the National League's strongest teams.
Milwaukee will host Game 1 on Sunday.
The Brewers finished the regular season with 103 victories, establishing themselves as legitimate championship contenders. But regular-season accomplishments mean little once October arrives. Wednesday's victory offered a better demonstration of what makes Milwaukee dangerous.
The Brewers received contributions throughout the lineup, protected a narrow lead and produced outstanding defense when it mattered most.
And thanks to Mitchell, they are four victories away from the World Series.
