Brewers vs. Padres prediction, Game 3 pick: San Diego will keep season alive at Petco Park

Losing by one run in any MLB postseason game stings, but losing two back-to-back stings even more.In both Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS, San Diego jumped out to early 2-0 leads against Milwaukee, only to blow each one in devastating fashion. The Padres could easily be up 2-0 in the series and on the verge of closing out the NLDS at home. Instead, they return to Petco Park with their season on the brink.Jackson Chourio’s playoff legend keeps growing by the minute, and the Brewers are now one win away from reaching the NLCS.The Brewers enter Game 3 as underdogs, with the Padres listed as -130 moneyline favorites on Fanatics Sportsbook. After burning through their top two arms in Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson, the Brewers send Dustin May to the mound for Game 3. Pitching on the road has been a struggle this season for the former Dodger and Cardinal, who was acquired at the trade deadline by Milwaukee.As a road pitcher this season, May has a 2-4 record and a 5.88 ERA, allowing 64 hits and 10 home runs while striking out 59 over 56 ⅔ innings. During his last trip to San Diego in August, May surrendered four hits, struck out six, and finished with a 1.29 ERA over seven innings.This is a silver lining for the Padres.The intensity of the playoffs brings a different level of play, and with San Diego harping on two close losses, I expect several hitters to be locked in, starting with Manny Machado.After a brutal 0-for-2 showing in Sunday’s loss, the third baseman is due for redemption. Through four playoff games, Machado leads the Padres with ten total bases and is one of four hitters to go yard for San Diego. Look for the veteran third baseman to deliver at the plate against May, who he has faced 42 times in his career, collecting 10 hits, 2 homers, and 5 RBIs for a .238 average.THE PLAY: SGP (+140, Fanatics Sportsbook): Padres moneyline (-140) + Manny Machado over 0.5 total bases (-185)Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA...