San Diego Padres' Manny Machado reacts after hitting a two-run home run during the fifth inning of Game 2 of a National League wild-card game on Wednesday.

Manny Machado hit a two-run homer, Mason Miller dominated again and the San Diego Padres beat the Chicago Cubs 3-0 on Wednesday, sending their NL Wild Card Series to a decisive third game.

Jackson Merrill hit an early sacrifice fly as San Diego avoided elimination after losing 3-1 on Tuesday. Dylan Cease struck out five in 3 2/3 innings before handing the ball to his team’s hard-throwing bullpen.

“That’s what postseason is about, man,” Machado said. “It’s a beautiful thing to be playing here in front of these crowds and with what’s at stake.”

The finale of the best-of-three series is back at Wrigley Field on Thursday.

The playoff-t

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