In a thrilling showdown, Padres reliever Mason Miller showcased his exceptional talent, striking out all three batters he faced in a crucial seventh inning, helping secure a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. This win sets the stage for a decisive third game in the National League Wild Card Series.
Miller’s impressive performance featured two fastballs clocked at 102.1 mph and 102.7 mph against Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who swung and missed at the latter for strike three. Miller’s fastball reached an incredible 104.5 mph on a called third strike to Carson Kelly, marking the fastest pitch recorded in postseason history since Statcast began tracking in 2008.
After Adrian Morejon delivered 2 1/3 perfect innings, Miller came in and continued the momentum, striking out Suzuki, followed by a 90.5 mph slider that caught Pete Crow-Armstrong looking for the final out of the seventh. He went on to also strike out Dansby Swanson and pinch-hitter Moises Ballesteros in the eighth inning, making a notable impression as the new addition to the Padres’ formidable bullpen.
Miller, who previously made waves with the Oakland Athletics after being selected in the third round of the 2021 amateur draft, quickly established himself as an elite reliever. With 28 saves and 104 strikeouts in 65 innings last season, he was named to the AL All-Star team. The Padres acquired him in a trade on July 31, further enhancing their bullpen depth.
“This is fun,” Miller remarked about contributing to the team’s success. “It’s beneficial for all of us that we’re able to match up… Everybody’s ability to go one-plus (innings) has been really helpful.”
This postseason marks Miller’s debut, and he’s already left his mark by tying the postseason record for eight consecutive strikeouts set by Josh Hader in 2022. After reflecting on his experience so far, Miller expressed that the feeling of participating in the postseason is something uniquely exhilarating.
Following Miller’s departure, Robert Suarez came in and continued the team’s dominance, retiring Nico Hoerner to close out the inning, while also mitigating a ninth-inning threat from the Cubs.
Padres manager Mike Shildt praised the collective talent of his bullpen, emphasizing that the players, including Miller, Morejon, and Suarez, not only possess impressive arm strength but also the skills to handle pressure without allowing the game situations to overwhelm them. “That says a lot for them,” remarked Shildt. “It’s a separator.”
As the Padres gear up for what promises to be an exciting Game 3 against the Cubs, Miller’s electrifying performance offers a glimpse of the potential for success in the playoffs. With a blend of talent and composure, the team remains hopeful as they aim for advancement in the postseason.