Padres’ Mason Miller Delivers 104.5 mph Strikeout vs Cubs

In a dazzling show of raw speed and pinpoint control, Mason Miller carved his name into postseason history during the San Diego Padres’ 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs.

The power-armed righty unleashed a jaw-dropping 104.5 mph fastball — the fastest pitch ever tracked in playoff action since Statcast arrived in 2008. That moment just cemented Miller as one of baseball’s most electrifying relievers.

Miller’s record-breaking heater was just one highlight in a bullpen outing that flexed San Diego’s depth and ability to thrive under October pressure.

Mason Miller’s Record-Breaking Heat

He entered in the seventh after Adrian Morejon spun 2 1/3 flawless innings of relief. Miller wasted no time making noise.

His first two pitches to Seiya Suzuki clocked in at 102.1 mph and 102.7 mph. Suzuki swung through the second one for strike three.

Next up, Carson Kelly just froze as Miller fired off that seismic 104.5 mph fastball — a pitch you’ll probably see on highlight reels for years.

Mixing Velocity With Deception

Sure, Miller’s triple-digit heat stole the show, but his ability to mix speeds made him even nastier. After overpowering Kelly, he struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong with a sharp 90.5 mph slider.

That kind of contrast in pitches keeps hitters guessing. Miller didn’t just bring power; he brought a refined mix of pace and break that turned every at-bat into a minefield for Chicago.

Dominance Across Two Postseason Appearances

Somehow, Miller kept that same intensity rolling into the eighth. He struck out Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Moises Ballesteros before an errant slider clipped Michael Busch, ending his night.

In just two postseason outings, he’s already matched the record for eight consecutive strikeouts, a mark Josh Hader set in 2022. Not bad for a newcomer, right?

From Oakland All-Star to Padres Weapon

San Diego landed Miller from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline. He brought plenty of credentials: an All-Star nod last season, 28 saves, and 104 strikeouts in just 65 innings.

Those numbers show his closing chops. But in San Diego, he’s shown he can handle multiple innings while keeping that elite velocity — a rare and valuable combo in October.

Supporting Cast Seals the Victory

Once Miller handed the ball to Robert Suarez, the job still wasn’t quite finished. Suarez calmly handled the final inning with a two-run cushion, leaning on San Diego’s airtight defense.

A game-ending double play, started by Seiya Suzuki, locked down the win and preserved the shutout. That’s how you finish a playoff game.

Mike Shildt’s Praise for the Bullpen

Manager Mike Shildt didn’t just single out Miller. He praised the whole relief crew for their poise and willingness to take on longer outings.

Postseason baseball doesn’t always follow a script, and these Padres relievers look ready for whatever comes next.

Key Takeaways From San Diego’s Win

There’s more to this win than just Miller’s record-setting pitch. Here are a few storylines that stood out:

• Elite Bullpen Depth: Morejon, Miller, and Suarez combined for 6 2/3 shutout innings, giving the Padres a chance to rest other arms.
• Historical Achievement: Miller’s 104.5 mph fastball set a new Statcast postseason record, breaking a 16-year-old mark.
• Momentum Builder: The shutout win gives the Padres a boost as they head deeper into the playoffs.
• Managerial Mastery: Shildt’s bullpen management shows trust and tactical sharpness — the kind of stuff you need in October.

Conclusion: Power and Poise Define San Diego’s October

Mason Miller’s historic strikeout put a bold stamp on the Padres’ performance. The team delivered a real masterclass in dominant pitching, showing just how much a great arm can shape postseason baseball.

San Diego mixed blistering speed with sharp defensive plays. Managerial moves felt spot-on, too—sometimes you just get the sense everything clicks.

If Miller keeps up that power and precision, and the bullpen stays sharp, maybe we’ll see the Padres ride this momentum deep into October. Anything can happen, right?

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Here is the source article for this story: Fast relief: Pads’ Miller has 104.5 mph strikeout