Padres turn Brandon Lockridge’s best weapon against him in poetic Brewers finish

If you’re the kind of person who loves a good callback, this one arrived with a strong soundtrack. Former Padres outfielder Brandon Lockridge built his first meaningful memories in the organization with his speed. On Aug. 11, that same speed produced the final out of a 3-2 Padres victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Milwaukee had Christian Yelich at the plate, two outs in the ninth inning and Lockridge pinch-running at first. Mason Miller had already issued a walk and sent a pitch to the backstop, and Yelich represented a legitimate threat to flip the game.

Padres catcher Freddy Fermin saw the next move coming.

“He’s fast,” Fermin told Miller during a mound visit. “He’s going to try to run.”

Of course, three pitches later, Lockridge takes off. Fermin popped out of his crouch after receiving Miller’s 102 mph fastball and fired a strike to second base. Sung-Mun Song handled the throw and tagged Lockridge’s forearm as the former Padre slid past the bag. Ballgame.

Brandon Lockridge’s Padres history made the final out even better

Lockridge’s decision made perfect sense. Milwaukee wanted the tying run in scoring position, and speed has always been his defining tool. The Padres are more familiar with it than most.

They acquired Lockridge from the Yankees at the 2024 trade deadline after he stole 34 bases in 38 attempts for their Triple-A affiliate. The Friars eventually promoted him later that season and immediately cashed in on his speed. 

Lockridge made his major league debut on Sept. 13, 2024, as a pinch-runner. He promptly stole second base in their game against Giants, becoming the seventh player in Padres history to record a steal in his MLB debut.

How fitting that nearly two years later, Lockridge tried the same formula against the organization that gave him his first opportunity. The only difference is the Padres were ready for it.

Not only did he pick the wrong moment. He picked the wrong pitch, and the wrong catcher.

Look, there’s no shame in getting thrown out by Fermin. He’s got a quick release and strong arm. Running on him with Miller pumping triple-digits is a wild idea.

The Padres clearly didn’t hold on to Lockridge for very long. They traded him to Milwaukee on July 31, 2025, receiving Nestor Cortes, Jorge Quintana and cash. On that same deadline day, the Padres acquired Miller from the Athletics and Fermin from the Kansas City Royals in separate deals.

One year later, the player San Diego moved out became the final out against two players brought in during the same roster overhaul.

Lockridge and Fermin never had time to become Padres teammates. Fermin’s warning came from preparation, scouting and a clear understanding of the situation. He knew Milwaukee’s plan before Milwaukee attempted to execute it. It was the perfect way for the Padres to keep their bag and secure the win. 

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