**San Diego Padres Sweep Atlanta Braves, Advance to Divisional Series**
In an electrifying atmosphere at Petco Park, the San Diego Padres secured their spot in the Divisional Series after defeating the Atlanta Braves 5-4 in the second Wild Card game. The Padres initially trailed after the first inning but staged a remarkable comeback, scoring five runs in the bottom of the second inning.
The rally began with catcher Kyle Higashioka, who hit a solo home run for the second consecutive day, leveling the score at 1-1. Manny Machado then delivered a crucial double, driving in Luis Arráez and Fernando Tatis Jr., who were on base, bringing the score to 3-1. Jackson Merrill contributed with a triple, sending Jurickson Profar and Machado home, creating a comfortable 5-1 lead.
The Braves fought back as Jorge Soler hit a solo home run in the fifth, and Michael Harris added a two-run homer in the eighth to bring the score to 5-4. Despite the pressure, the Padres’ bullpen held firm. Bryan Hoeing secured the win on the mound, and Robert Suarez closed the game for the save, while Max Fried took the loss for the Braves.
Looking ahead, the Padres are set to travel to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers, the champions of the NL West, on Saturday, October 5th in the Divisional Series.
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**Secondary Article: Padres Poised for Showdown with Dodgers After Commanding Win**
As the San Diego Padres prepare to face their long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team is riding high on a wave of momentum from their recent victory over the Atlanta Braves. This upcoming matchup is expected to be highly competitive, considering the Dodgers’ dominant performance throughout the season and their status as the top team in the National League.
The Padres’ offense has shown impressive depth, with crucial contributions from different players in the lineup. Key hitters like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. will be essential in breaking through the Dodgers’ formidable pitching staff. On the other side, the Dodgers will rely on their deep roster, including star players such as Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw, to maintain their supremacy.
Both teams are familiar with high-stakes encounters, and fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting series. The winner of this showdown will earn a place in the National League Championship Series, bringing them one step closer to a coveted World Series appearance. As the tension builds, all eyes will be on Los Angeles this weekend, where the Padres and Dodgers will battle it out starting Saturday.