The Milwaukee Brewers had the San Diego Padres exactly where they wanted them. After winning the first two games of the NLDS, the 103-win Brewers had a chance to finish the job and complete the sweep in San Diego in Game 3. Instead, the Padres fought back and forced a crucial Game 4.

While there is plenty of blame to go around after Milwaukee's failure to close out the series, two hitters deserve plenty of criticism: Brice Turang and Jake Bauers.

Both left-handed hitters have failed to make much of an impact through the first three games of the series, and Milwaukee needs that to change quickly if it wants to avoid allowing San Diego to completely flip the momentum.

Turang did record a hit in Game 3, but it was his first hit of the series. He is now hitting just .091 in the NLDS, which isn't enough from one of the Brewers' most important all-around players. Turang's value goes far beyond his bat. He is one of the best second basemen in baseball because of everything he brings to the table. His defense, speed, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways are major reasons Milwaukee was able to win 103 games during the regular season.

Bauers has been quiet after a strong Game 1. After collecting two hits in the series opener, Bauers has gone 0-for-4 in each of the last two games. He is now hitting .182 for the series. That's a major problem considering what Bauers showed during the regular season. The left-handed hitter posted a .266 batting average with 26 home runs, 86 RBIs, and an impressive .874 OPS. He proved he can be a dangerous hitter, and Milwaukee needs that version of Bauers to show up against the Padres.

Jackson Chourio hasn't exactly dominated the series either, with just two hits through three games. However, both of those hits came in critical moments and played a major role in Milwaukee winning the first two games. A massive home run and a walk-off single are why the Brewers went up two games to none.

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The Brewers don't necessarily need every star to pile up hits every night. They need their best players to make their opportunities count. Turang and Bauers haven't done that yet.

Milwaukee is still in control of the series, but the Padres now have momentum and another chance to even things up in Game 4. If the Brewers want to avoid giving San Diego a chance to force a decisive Game 5, they need their struggling hitters to wake up.

Turang and Bauers were important pieces of a 103-win team for a reason. Now, Milwaukee needs them to remind everyone why.