Mason Miller Makes History as Padres Face Cubs in Game3

In a high-stakes showdown that could shape the San Diego Padres’ postseason, reliever Mason Miller put on one of the most electric performances fans have seen in playoff history. Facing elimination in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs, Miller unleashed a fastball arsenal that stunned everyone and rewrote the record books.

He averaged a blistering 103 mph and even touched 104.5 mph—the fastest pitch ever clocked in MLB postseason history. His outing was pure power, and honestly, it was mesmerizing to watch. Now, as the Padres get ready for a do-or-die Game 3, everyone’s wondering: will Miller get the call again, even after all those pitches?

Mason Miller’s Record-Breaking Heat

Mason Miller’s performance was downright historic. Coming in late, the flame-throwing righty faced six batters and struck out five—just incredible dominance.

His fastball sat at 103 mph, a speed most pitchers can only dream of, especially under playoff pressure. That 104.5 mph heater? It’s now the fastest pitch in postseason history. Not bad for a guy still early in his career.

Why Miller’s Velocity Matters

Velocity like this isn’t just for show—it changes everything. At over 104 mph, hitters get less than four-tenths of a second to react. Good luck making contact with that.

In the postseason, where every edge matters, Miller’s presence on the mound gives the Padres a serious weapon. It almost feels unfair, honestly.

The Context Behind His Game 2 Heroics

Before Game 2, the Padres were in a tough spot after dropping Game 1 to the Cubs. Manager Mike Shildt had watched strong outings from starter Dylan Cease and setup man Adrián Morejón, but the situation called for Miller’s heat.

Over two games, Miller threw 40 pitches—13 in Game 1 and 27 in Game 2. He showed he’s willing to take on a heavy workload, even on back-to-back days.

Strikeouts Under Pressure

Five strikeouts against six batters in the playoffs? That’s wild. Each punch-out killed the Cubs’ momentum and lit up the Petco Park crowd.

Miller’s ability to handle pressure shows off both his physical talent and mental toughness. That’s exactly what you want in a win-or-go-home situation.

The Gamble of Game 3

Now comes the tricky decision for the Padres coaches. Shildt mentioned Miller’s only pitched three days in a row once this season, and that was way back in May when he was with Oakland.

His arm brings unmatched firepower, but there’s always risk. Overusing a high-velocity pitcher could lead to injury, and that’s not something you want to mess with.

Balancing Risk and Reward

If the Padres use Miller again, the payoff could be huge. His fastball and confidence could shut down Cubs hitters when it matters most.

Still, you have to wonder if it’s worth pushing a young, hard-throwing arm past its limits. It’s that classic October question—go all-in now, or play it safe for the future?

Chasing the First World Series Title

The Padres’ decision here isn’t just about one game. This postseason is a shot at something that’s always slipped through San Diego’s fingers—their first-ever World Series championship.

Every move, from pitching changes to bullpen calls, is all about chasing that dream. Who knows if they’ll get another chance like this?

The X-Factor in the Padres’ Playoff Push

Miller’s role could be the defining factor in this series. With his dominance on the mound, the Cubs face a steep challenge in making meaningful contact.

In playoff baseball, momentum can swing in an instant. A reliever who throws with that kind of velocity becomes more than just another player—he’s the X-factor, the guy you can’t stop watching.

Key Takeaways:

• Mason Miller set a postseason record with a 104.5 mph pitch.
• He struck out five of six batters faced in Game 2 against the Cubs.
• The Padres face a critical decision about using Miller in Game 3 due to workload concerns.
• Manager Mike Shildt must weigh short-term playoff gains against long-term health risks.
• San Diego is chasing its first World Series title, making every decision crucial.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mason Miller makes history, but Wild Card Series Game 3 may put Padres flamethrower to the test vs. Cubs