The San Diego Padres face another must-win situation against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight in Game 4 of the 2026 National League Division Series.
Milwaukee currently leads the best-of-five NLDS 2-1 after San Diego kept its season alive with a 4-3 victory in Game 3. That makes tonight’s matchup simple for the Padres: win and force Game 5, or lose and see their 2026 MLB postseason run come to an end.
What Happens If the Padres Win Today?
If the Padres defeat the Brewers in Game 4, San Diego will tie the NLDS at 2-2.
That would force a decisive Game 5 on Friday, October 9, in Milwaukee.
Game 5 would become a winner-take-all matchup, with the victorious team advancing to the 2026 National League Championship Series.
Padres win: Series tied 2-2; Game 5 is required.
What Happens If the Padres Lose Today?
If the Padres lose Game 4, they will be eliminated from the 2026 MLB Playoffs.
Milwaukee would win the NLDS 3-1 and advance to the National League Championship Series. San Diego’s season would immediately be over.
Padres lose: Brewers win series 3-1; Padres eliminated.
Can the Padres and Brewers Tie?
No. There are no ties in the MLB postseason.
If Game 4 is tied after nine innings, the Padres and Brewers will continue playing extra innings until a winner is determined.
Postseason extra innings also differ from the regular season because MLB does not use the automatic runner at second base during playoff games.
Padres vs Brewers Game 4 Scenario
The situation could not be much clearer for San Diego:
- Padres win: NLDS tied 2-2 and Game 5 is forced.
- Padres lose: Padres are eliminated and Brewers advance to the NLCS.
- Tie: Not possible because postseason games continue until there is a winner.
When Is Padres vs Brewers Game 4?
The Padres host the Brewers on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Petco Park in San Diego.
Game time: 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT
TV: FS1
Series: Brewers lead 2-1
Padres Fighting to Force Game 5
San Diego entered Game 3 facing elimination but responded with a 4-3 victory to extend the series. Now the Padres must do it again.
A victory tonight would completely reset the NLDS and send the series back to Milwaukee for one final game. A Brewers victory, however, would send Milwaukee to the NLCS and end San Diego’s season.
For the Padres, the equation is simple: win tonight and play Game 5; lose tonight and go home.