Padres defeat Braves 5-4 in a scare, advance to NLDS to take on division rival Los Angeles Dodgers

The San Diego Padres did it. They swept the Atlanta Braves to advance to the NLDS for the first time since 2022 when they went on to beat the Dodgers in four games.

In a contest that was nerve-racking all the way to the last pitch, the Friars got it done to defeat a really good Braves team.

“Fight man, these guys never gave up,” Machado said postgame when asked what he saw in his team this series. “That is a really good ball club over there and they didn’t give up. They had a tough few days back home. We gave it to them yesterday and today scored five against one of the best pitchers in the game. We never gave up all year and we will continue fighting. This is a special day here.”

Even though San Diego advances, it does not feel as special knowing that Joe Musgrove left the game with elbow tightness, according to the team. Musgrove pitched very well and looked as if he could give his team a quality start. Instead, his season is in jeopardy.

Michael Harris II wasted no time hitting a double to lead off the contest. He would then score the first run of the game thanks to a Marcell Ozuna sac fly. The Braves scored their first run of the postseason to give them a 1-0 lead early. That lead did not last more than one inning.

The bottom of the first inning looked promising to start … until it didn’t. With the bases loaded and zero out for the Padres, Manny Machado struck out, followed by back-to-back fielder’s choice. In a playoff game against a great team, you have to score in those situations.

That lack of run production must have really ticked off the players, as in the following inning, the Friars scored five runs … all with two outs. Kyle Higashioka got it started for the Padres with a solo shot to left-center field for a round-tripper in back-to-back games.

LET’S ROCK, HIGGY!!! pic.twitter.com/zxPWecBFP9

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) October 3, 2024

Then, just like the first inning, the Friars used infield singles to get on base. They played small ball, and it benefited them.

Luis Arraez, Fernando Tatis Jr, and Jurickson Profar all scored thanks to a double from Machado and then triple from Jackson Merrill.

THE PADRES BREAK GAME 2 OPEN IN THE SECOND INNING 😱

SIX STRAIGHT TWO-OUT HITS FOR SAN DIEGO 🤯 pic.twitter.com/s1Zk305HiS

— ESPN (@espn) October 3, 2024

With Machado getting his revenge, that was as good as an inning as you could ask for.

“(Fried) made three good pitches there and got me the first time around,” Machado said postgame. “I wanted it. I wanted it next time and the situation came up again with bases loaded and I wanted it back. He came back with the same pitch, I made an adjustment and scored two there. Then Jackson scored another two. That was a huge inning for us.”

A frightening scene happened in the 4th inning. As Musgrove was facing Matt Olson, he threw back-to-back curveballs, which were the slowest he had ever thrown, according to AJ Cassavell. It seemed Higashioka noticed and ran out to him. Musgrove then left the game as Bryan Hoeing replaced him. Hoeing would then get Olson to pop out to end the inning.

The Padres had a four-run lead and all the momentum, yet it seemed as if a nightmare happened in front of everyone’s eyes.

The Braves needed to fight back to get back into the game.

To begin the 5th, Jorge Soler sent a ball to the batter’s eye to cut the lead to three. It was crucial for Hoeing to finish off the 5th inning so that Jeremiah Estrada would come in for a clean inning for the 6th.

Hoeing proceeded to retire the side in order to keep the lead at three. It was up to the bullpen to finish the job.

After Estrada and Scott kept the Braves at two runs, Jason Adam’s turn was next. The inning started off to a bad start as he allowed a leadoff hit to Orlando Arcia and then a two-run homer to Harris II. That was Harris’ third hit of the game and fifth of the series. He gave his team a shot when their heels were against the wall.

However, Adam locked in. He retired the Braves’ 2-3-4 hitters, and even K’d up Ozuna.

The Padres led by just one and hadn’t scored since the second inning. Insurance runs would have been nice, but that did not happen.

Robert Suarez came out to finish the job. He did not allow a base runner, and the ball game was over. The Padres swept the Braves.

Now, they take on a Dodgers team they saw just one week ago. Dylan Cease will get the start and will go up against Jack Flaherty for the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

All eyes will be on this series. Machado said it best.

“This is what everyone wanted.”

Chris Spiering

Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.