The San Diego Padres are coming off a season-saving victory in Game 3 of the NLDS on Tuesday night. Game 4 is late Wednesday night in San Diego as the Friars hope to force a Game 5 back in Milwaukee.
Shortstop Xander Bogaerts was the player of the game for San Diego, thanks to his clutch defense and two-out hitting that led them to a much-needed win. Bogaerts saved a run with a diving stop, even though he didn't register an out on that play. He then started a rally with two outs, followed by sealing the game by turning a clutch double play on his own in the 9th inning.
Those are the type of plays that win you games in the playoffs, especially when the superstars don't show up.
Following his performance, Bogaerts spoke to MLB Network about the crazy Game 3 win.
Xander Bogaerts was involved in a handful of game-altering plays in tonight's dramatic @Padres W!
The star shortstop joined #MLBTonight after the win to break them down. pic.twitter.com/6Jf1Rh3svH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 7, 2026
“It was a very, very, very crazy game,” Bogaerts said postgame.
“I think that was a bit of a momentum shifter,” Bogaerts said about his diving play to save a run. “If that ball goes by, they score a run, and then we have to play from behind… man, what a good feeling that was to not have the ball go to the outfield.”
Article Continues BelowXander Bogaerts was involved in 3 key plays yesterday pic.twitter.com/tpnL6MfK3W
— Giannis Auntiegotapoodle (@TooMuchMortons_) October 7, 2026
The Padres now turn to Walker Buehler for Game 4, and he will likely have a short leash. The Brewers have yet to announce a starter. The Brew Crew could go to a bullpen game with a day off on Thursday (if SD forced a Game 5), with Jacob Misiorowski going in Game 5.
The Frairs could get Mason Miller back from the one-day stint on the Paternity List. That would be game-changing for the Friars with their season still on the line.
Game 4 is a must-watch.