Padres Force Game 4 with Miller's 104.5 mph Fastball, Machado's HR
The NL Wild Card Series between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres heads into a decisive fourth game, with Shota Imanaga on the mound for the Cubs. The Padres, led by Mason Miller's impressive pitching, have fought back from elimination to level the series at two games apiece.
The Padres' bullpen, including Miller, combined for a dominant performance, with 14 pitches clocked over 100 mph. Miller struck out five consecutive batters and reached a staggering 104.5 mph on a pitch, the fastest in the postseason since 2008. Earlier, Dylan Cease struck out five in 3 2/3 innings before the Cubs' bullpen took over.
Manny Machado's fifth-inning homer, following a walk and a sacrifice by Fernando Tatis Jr., gave the Padres a 3-0 lead. The Padres avoided elimination after Tuesday's 3-1 loss, with Jackson Merrill's early sacrifice fly proving crucial. Yu Darvish, who previously played for the Cubs, will start for the Padres in the finale, facing Jameson Taillon of the Cubs.
The best-of-three series returns to Wrigley Field on Thursday, with the Padres and Cubs both seeking a victory to advance. The Padres, led by Machado's two-run homer and Miller's dominance, have shown resilience in their fight to stay alive in the postseason.
