4 defensive plays that prevented Brewers' NLDS sweep of Padres in Game 3

The San Diego Padres defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in Game 3 of the NLDS, preventing a sweep and forcing a Game 4. Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made multiple exceptional defensive plays that proved decisive, including a sliding catch on Jackson Chourio's leadoff fly ball in the first inning that had a .750 expected batting average, and a diving catch on Sal Frelick's line drive in the third inning with an expected batting average of .540. Both plays robbed the Brewers of extra-base hits that could have given Milwaukee early leads, with Frelick's catch particularly costly as it stranded Joey Ortiz on first base after he singled on the next pitch. The Padres' defensive excellence combined with Milwaukee's miscues ultimately made the difference in the one-run game.

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