SAN DIEGO − Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are like Batman and Robin for the San Diego Padres.

Their incredible skills shone through as Tatis launched a two-run homer, contributing to the Padres’ wild 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the National League Division Series, sending the enthusiastic crowd of 47,774 into a frenzy.

“Honestly, when I hit it, I just blanked out,’’ Tatis expressed excitedly. “I started yelling towards the dugout; the energy was just incredible.”

The duo knows how to irritate their rivals.

“That’s basically their strategy,’’ commented Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy, “trying to get in your head and bring out the emotions.”

Machado showcased his clever baserunning, leaving the Dodgers stumped with a play that confused the opposition.

“Manny has the highest baseball IQ,” Tatis praised. “When you see plays like that, you realize how quick he adapts, especially in crucial moments; that’s what makes Manny special.”

The electric pair began their offense in the second inning after Mookie Betts put the Dodgers on the board first with a homer in the opening inning.

Leading off, Machado hit a solid single to center. Afterward, rookie Jackson Merrill hit a hard grounder to first baseman Freddie Freeman who was set for a double play.

“Right away, I knew what I had to do,’’ stated Machado. “Being aware of the rules helped; we practiced this during spring training, and it was crucial this time.”

Reading Freeman’s throwing angle, Machado decided to take an unexpected route by heading onto the infield grass instead of running straight to second base.

“I could have taken a route to right field if needed,” Machado added. “I was confident I could create a path to second base once that opportunity presented itself.”

“Understanding the rules is important, and knowing what to do in the moment is essential.”

Freeman made the throw, but Machado obstructed his view, causing the ball to hit Machado’s shoulder and bounce away from shortstop Miguel Rojas. Everyone reached base safely, resulting in Freeman being charged with a throwing error.

“A baserunner can create their own path as long as they’re not avoiding a tag,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “It was a smart play.”

In reality, it was an exceptional move, demonstrating Machado’s deep understanding of the game.

“It was a fantastic baseball play by Manny,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt, who later discussed it with Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa, his mentor. “Essentially, a player can define their own baseline until a throw is made on them. In this case, Manny’s action forced the play into an unconventional direction.”

“Once the fielder attempts to make a play, that’s when the baseline is set, and you can proceed from there.”

As things unraveled for the Dodgers, Xander Bogaerts hit a grounder to Rojas. Instead of executing a double play, Rojas opted to run to second base but wasn’t fast enough to make the play, allowing Bogaerts to reach first safely.

Before the Dodgers could react, the Padres surged ahead with a 6-1 lead after Tatis sent Walker Buehler’s 0-and-2 fastball over the fence.

“That rally wouldn’t have happened if (Machado) didn’t make that play. That was crucial for us,” Tatis added.

Ultimately, Tatis made the Dodgers pay dearly with his clutch performance and incredible postseason journey.

Currently, Tatis is hitting .555 in the first five games of this postseason, racking up four homers, two doubles, and seven RBIs, with an impressive 1.970 OPS, the second highest in postseason history for the first five games.

“It’s beautiful, and it feels rewarding given everything I have gone through, and what we’ve faced as a team,” Tatis reflected, having missed 2½ months this season due to a stress reaction in his right femur, and serving a suspension for PED use during the Padres’ 2022 postseason. “Performing like this reminds me of all those memories. I feel grateful for where I am today.”

“I’m fully embracing every moment and not taking anything for granted.”

While it may still be early to label him as the West Coast’s Mr. October, he’s definitely on the right track.

“You see many hitters become playoff stars,” said Padres starter Michael King, who allowed five runs over five innings but credited the bullpen for four scoreless innings. “Sometimes it’s a superstar, and sometimes it’s not, but witnessing a superstar perform at this level is remarkable.”

“It makes for must-see television.”

Tatis could continue to captivate audiences during the extended playoff run if the Padres keep up their momentum. They need one more victory against the Dodgers in this best-of-five series to advance to the NLCS for the second time in the last three years.

The Padres, known for their bold trading moves and dynamic playing style throughout the season, are not slowing down. They have chosen to start Dylan Cease, whom they picked up from the Chicago White Sox during spring training, to pitch on short rest this Wednesday.