San Diego @ Atlanta preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 13, 2013 ) San Diego 4, Atlanta 3

Kris Medlen looks to continue building his case to be the starter in the Atlanta Braves’ playoff opener when he takes the mound for the National League East leaders on Saturday against the visiting San Diego Padres. Medlen has posted a 1.33 ERA with two walks and 21 strikeouts in winning his last three outings. The 27-year-old went 10-1 last season and is the only current member of the Braves’ rotation to start a playoff game.

The road has been anything but kind to San Diego, which is third in the NL in losses away from home (46) and has dropped 11 of its last 16 on the road. The Padres have lost 16 of their 23 road series this season. Closer Huston Street picked up his 30th save in Friday’s 4-3 victory and has converted 53-of-55 opportunities over the last two seasons.

TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FSN (San Diego), SportsSouth (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Padres LH Robbie Erlin (2-2, 5.56 ERA) vs. Braves RH Kris Medlen (13-12, 3.46)

Erlin has been called up from the minors four different times this season, making six starts. He settled for a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Sept. 3, when he allowed two runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. The 22-year-old is 1-2 with an 8.62 ERA in five road games (three starts).

Medlen is 7-2 in his last nine starts with only eight walks in 55 1/3 innings. He defeated the Miami Marlins on Monday, surrendering two runs on six hits with six strikeouts in 6 1/3 frames to move above .500 for the first time this season. Medlen has gone 12-6 over his last 18 outings after losing six of his first seven decisions.

WALK-OFFS

1. San Diego OF Will Venable has hit a career-high 22 homers, with 11 coming in 49 games after the All-Star break.

2. Atlanta C Brian McCann slugged his 20th homer Friday, marking the seventh time the eight-year veteran has reached the plateau.

3. Braves OF Jason Heyward participated in batting practice Friday, taking his first swings against live pitching since fracturing his jaw on Aug. 21.

PREDICTION: Braves 5, Padres 2