The Milwaukee Brewers have an opportunity to punch their ticket to the National League Championship Series when they face the San Diego Padres today in Game 3 of the 2026 National League Division Series.
Milwaukee enters Game 3 holding a commanding 2-0 series lead in the best-of-five NLDS. That puts the Brewers one victory away from advancing, while the Padres enter the game with their season on the line.
Here is what happens if the Brewers win, lose or somehow finish tied against the Padres in Game 3.
What Happens If the Brewers Beat the Padres in Game 3?
If the Brewers win Game 3, Milwaukee wins the NLDS 3-0 and completes a sweep of San Diego.
The result would immediately send the Brewers to the 2026 National League Championship Series (NLCS).
San Diego would be eliminated from the MLB postseason, and Games 4 and 5 of the NLDS would no longer be necessary.
For Milwaukee, the scenario is simple:
Brewers win = Brewers advance to the NLCS.
A victory would also give Milwaukee additional rest while waiting to learn its opponent in the next round.
What Happens If the Brewers Lose Game 3?
If the Padres beat the Brewers in Game 3, San Diego stays alive and cuts Milwaukee’s series advantage to 2-1.
The teams would then play Game 4 on Wednesday, October 7, in San Diego.
Milwaukee would still be in a strong position because the Brewers would need only one victory in the remaining two games to win the series.
The scenario would become:
Padres win Game 3 = Brewers lead series 2-1 and Game 4 is necessary.
What Happens If the Padres Win Games 3 and 4?
Things become much more dramatic if San Diego wins both games at home.
If the Padres win Game 3 and then defeat Milwaukee again in Game 4, the NLDS would be tied 2-2.
That would force a decisive Game 5 on Friday, October 9, with the winner advancing to the NLCS and the loser being eliminated.
Game 5 would essentially become a one-game playoff for a spot in the National League Championship Series.
Can Brewers vs. Padres Game 3 End in a Tie?
No.
Unlike regular-season games in some sports, MLB postseason games cannot end in a tie.
If Brewers vs. Padres Game 3 is tied after nine innings, the teams will continue playing extra innings until one team wins.
That means there are only two possible outcomes for Milwaukee tonight: win and advance or lose and play another game.
Brewers vs. Padres Game 3 Playoff Scenarios
Here is the situation entering Game 3:
- Brewers win: Milwaukee wins the NLDS 3-0 and advances to the NLCS.
- Brewers lose: Milwaukee’s series lead falls to 2-1 and Game 4 is played.
- Padres win Games 3 and 4: The series becomes tied 2-2 and goes to a decisive Game 5.
- Tie: Not possible. The game continues into extra innings until there is a winner.
Are the Padres Eliminated If They Lose Today?
Yes. The Padres are officially facing elimination in Game 3.
Because Milwaukee already owns two victories in the best-of-five series, another Brewers win would give Milwaukee the required three victories to advance.
San Diego must therefore win Game 3 to keep its 2026 World Series hopes alive.
Are the Brewers Eliminated If They Lose Today?
No.
Milwaukee cannot be eliminated in Game 3. Even with a loss, the Brewers would still hold a 2-1 series advantage.
The Brewers would have two additional opportunities to secure the one victory needed to reach the NLCS.
Brewers One Win Away From the 2026 NLCS
Game 3 represents Milwaukee’s first opportunity to close out the series.
A Brewers victory means a 3-0 NLDS sweep and a trip to the NLCS. A Padres victory keeps San Diego’s season alive and forces Game 4.
For Milwaukee, the equation could not be clearer: win today and advance.