Padres beat Braves to set up NLDS clash with Dodgers

The San Diego Padres hung on Wednesday to beat the Atlanta Braves 5-4 to punch their ticket to the NLDS.

Punctuated by rookie sensation Jackson Merill's two-run triple, San Diego rode a five-run second inning to victory.

Both teams lost their starters early in the game.

A comebacker hit Braves pitcher Max Fried in the hip in the first inning before Atlanta took him out following a rocky second inning. Joe Musgrove exited with trainers in the fourth inning due to right elbow tightness.

Michael Harris II hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to trim the Padres' lead to one, but Jason Adam escaped the frame with the lead intact and handed the ball over to Robert Suarez for the save.

San Diego's two-game sweep sets up a highly anticipated matchup with the NL West-rival Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres won the series 3-1 when the clubs last met in the NLDS in 2022.

"This is what everyone wanted," Padres third baseman Manny Machado said.

Atlanta has lost three straight playoff series since winning the 2021 World Series.

Game 1 between San Diego and Los Angeles is set for 8:38 p.m. ET on Saturday at Dodger Stadium.