Milwaukee – The Brewers clinched a 3‑2 win over the San Diego Padres in the opening game of the National League Division Series on Saturday, thanks to an unusual play involving the stadium’s roof cable.
Roof cable keeps ball in play
With one out in the ninth inning and the Brewers protecting a one‑run lead, Ty France drove a ball to left field off closer Trevor Megill. The ball struck a cable on the closed roof of American Family Field and remained in play. Left fielder Jackson Chourio scooped up the ball for the second out, and Megill retired Jackson Merrill on a fly ball to right field to end the game.
Managers weigh in on the oddball ending
Brewers manager Pat Murphy credited the team’s legendary late broadcaster Bob Uecker for a light‑hearted boost, joking that “Ueck decided to put his hand on it and swat it down so Chourio could catch it.” Murphy added that from his perspective the ball would have been a foul ball if it hadn’t hit the cable.
Padres manager Craig Stammen, on the other hand, believed the ball might have been a home run had it not struck the roof. “We joked about it at the umpire meeting today about what would happen if the ball hit the roof,” Stammen said. “It was unlikely, but it happened. The rule is if they deemed the ball to be fair and it comes down you can catch it. If it hits off the roof foul, then it’s a foul ball.”
Ground rules explain the call
American Family Field’s ground rules state that a batted ball striking the roof, roof truss, roof cable, or any cabling over fair territory remains in play. If a fielder catches the ball, the batter is out. If the ball hits those structures over foul territory, it is a dead ball, and if it lands foul after striking a fair‑territory structure, it is ruled a foul ball. The on‑field call of an out was upheld after the Padres challenged the ball’s status.
Players reflect on the moment
Chourio, who earlier hit a game‑tying two‑run homer, said he was unsure of the rule but focused on making the play. “I wasn’t all that sure of what the rule was, and I wasn’t really all that sure that it actually did hit anything,” he said through an interpreter. “I thought I had a chance on that ball kind of the whole time off the bat.”
Murphy remained convinced that the ball would have been a foul. “I’m standing right on that line, a hitter that talented,” he said. “It was going to be a foul ball for sure.”
Legacy of Bob Uecker
Bob Uecker, the beloved former player turned broadcaster who called Brewers games for more than five decades, passed away before the 2025 season at age 90. His memory was invoked in the post‑game interview, underscoring his lasting impact on the franchise and its fans.
The Brewers will look to build on this win as the series shifts back to San Diego for Game 2, while the Padres will regroup after a second unusual loss this postseason.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
