The San Diego Padres claimed a playoff spot with a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, thanks in part to a game-ending triple play by Manny Machado. The Padres, who have been on a hot streak, secured at least a National League wild card with five games left in the regular season. They are now within two games of the Dodgers, with two games left in their crucial series at Dodger Stadium.

In the final moments of the game, after the Dodgers scored a run in the ninth inning, they had runners on first and second base when Miguel Rojas hit a sharp grounder to Machado at third base. Machado stepped on the bag and completed a triple play by making the necessary throws to other bases to end the game. The Padres’ celebration was momentarily put on hold as the Dodgers challenged the out call at second base, but the ruling was confirmed after a replay review.

The Padres, who are in second place, have won nine out of their last ten games and four games in a row. San Diego currently holds the tiebreaker against Los Angeles with an 8-3 record in their head-to-head matchups. The Dodgers still have a magic number of four to clinch the division title.

San Diego’s four runs were scored with two outs in front of a lively crowd of 50,369 fans at Dodger Stadium. The atmosphere was described as playoff-like, with fans chanting “MVP! MVP!” at Shohei Ohtani while also giving a tough time to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Machado, a former Dodger.

Jake Cronenworth, who had not recorded an RBI in September until this game, played a significant role in the Padres’ victory with three RBIs, including a two-run homer. Padres starter Michael King pitched five solid innings, allowing just one unearned run.

The Dodgers were led by rookie starter Landon Knack, who struggled, giving up four runs in four innings. Despite the loss, the Dodgers had their chances, leaving the bases loaded in the second inning. The Padres took advantage of the opportunities presented to them, extending their lead and eventually securing the win.

In terms of player updates, the Dodgers made some adjustments to their roster due to injuries, with RHP Gavin Stone being transferred to the 60-day IL. LHP Anthony Banda is expected to return soon after throwing a successful bullpen session, while LHP Clayton Kershaw is still recovering from a toe injury.

Up next, RHP Dylan Cease will make his final start before the postseason for the Padres, while RHP Jack Flaherty will be on the mound for the Dodgers, looking to keep opposing hitters at bay.