Trailing 2-0 in the best-of-five series and facing elimination, the Padres delivered when it mattered most, cutting Milwaukee's advantage to 2-1 and forcing a fourth game in San Diego.
Cronenworth delivers the decisive blow
The Padres established an early advantage after Samad Taylor reached base, stole second and eventually scored on a groundout by Fernando Tatis Jr. San Diego doubled its lead when Jackson Merrill scored on a single from Manny Machado.
Milwaukee responded in the fourth inning when William Contreras launched a solo home run, before the Brewers levelled the contest at 2-2 later in the inning.
The decisive moment came in the fifth.
Jake Cronenworth connected for a solo home run against Milwaukee reliever JoJo Romero, putting San Diego back in front at 3-2. The Padres then added another run in the sixth to establish a 4-2 advantage.
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Brewers threaten but Padres hold firm
Milwaukee refused to go quietly.
The Brewers reduced the deficit to 4-3 in the seventh after Contreras, Brice Turang and Christian Yelich produced consecutive hits, putting the tying and go-ahead runs on base.
But San Diego's pitching held firm in the decisive moments, with the Brewers eventually leaving 11 runners on base during the game despite collecting 11 hits.
Michael King produces a huge six-out save
With closer Mason Miller unavailable after being placed on the postseason paternity list, the Padres turned to Michael King in an unusual relief role.
King, who had started Game 2 only two days earlier, took the mound in the eighth inning and completed the final six outs to secure the victory.
It was King's first relief appearance of the season, making his performance particularly significant given the circumstances surrounding San Diego's depleted bullpen.
The game ended when Yelich grounded into a 6-3 double play, allowing the Padres to celebrate a crucial victory and preventing Milwaukee from completing the sweep.
Brewers still lead the series
The defeat ended Milwaukee's hopes of completing a sweep in San Diego, but the Brewers remain one victory away from reaching the National League Championship Series.
Milwaukee also extended its unwanted postseason road losing streak to 12 games, matching the Major League record for consecutive playoff road defeats.
Game 3 key scores
• San Diego Padres: 4 runs, 6 hits
• Milwaukee Brewers: 3 runs, 11 hits
Game 4 awaits
The Padres now turn their attention to Game 4 at Petco Park on Wednesday, knowing another victory would force a decisive Game 5 in Milwaukee.
After surviving elimination in Game 3, San Diego's comeback bid remains alive, while Milwaukee will have another opportunity to close out the series.