Quantifiably, no team was hit harder by injuries than these Braves. Consider the following key losses: Ace right-hander Spencer Strider appeared in two games before requiring season-ending elbow surgery Outfielder and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.

The Braves' best pitcher, NL Cy Young Award favorite Chris Sale, was back home in Atlanta with a back injury. Max Fried, who started his career as a San Diego Padres farmhand and won the clinching game in the 2021 World Series for the Braves,

The Padres probably have the best pitching staff in the postseason. The Braves probably have the best pitcher in this series, if he can go.

Almost exactly 48 hours after the last time the Braves were in a do or die, win or their season is over position, they found themselves right back in that same place.

Despite the Atlanta Braves battling back to within one run in the eighth inning to tie the Padres, they could not extend their postseason dreams.