Series at a Glance

PADRES AT A GLANCE

Lineup

2B Quilvio Veras: .267

RF Tony Gwynn: .321

LF Greg Vaughn: .272

3B Ken Caminiti: .252

1B Wally Joyner: .298

CF Steve Finley: .249

C Carlos Hernandez: .262

SS Chris Gomez: .267

* Analysis: The Padres rebounded from a poor September (9-15) in the division series, defeating the Houston Astros in four games. The Padres defeated Houston ace Randy Johnson twice, and they aren’t intimidated by the Braves’ formidable staff. Right-hander Kevin Brown was dominant in the series. His stirring two-hit, 16-strikeout performance in Game 1 provided an emotional boost for the Padre pitching staff, which held one of the game’s best offenses in check. Closer Trevor Hoffman saved two of the Padres’ three victories. Joey Hamilton may have earned a start in Game 4 because he pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings in relief in two appearances against the Astros. Sterling Hitchcock was outstanding in the clincher, giving up three hits and one run in six innings. The Padres struggled offensively, as they did in the final month of the regular season, batting .216. But they got the timely hits, and that’s what counts at playoff time.

* Key Reserves: Catcher-first baseman Jim Leyritz (.266), catcher Greg Myers (.246, four homers, 20 RBIs), infielder Andy Sheets (.242, seven homers, 29 RBIs), pinch-hit specialist John Vander Wal (.279, five homers, 20 RBIs).

* Team batting: .253, 12th in National League.

* Team pitching: 3.63 ERA, third in National League.

BRAVES AT A GLANCE

Lineup

SS Walt Weiss: .280

2B Keith Lockhart: .257

3B Chipper Jones: .313

1B Andres Galarraga: .305

LF Ryan Klesko: .274

C Javy Lopez: .284

CF Andruw Jones: .271

RF Michael Tucker: .244

* Analysis: The Braves didn’t waste time in the division series, sweeping the Chicago Cubs. Atlanta’s Big Three--pitchers John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux--were typically dominant. Smoltz won Game 1, Glavine pitched superbly in getting a no-decision in Game 2 and Maddux defeated the Cubs in the final game. They combined to go 2-0 with a 1.66 earned-run average in 21 2/3 innings. The Braves’ inexperienced bullpen also performed well. Rookie left-handers John Rocker and Odalis Perez came through in key situations. Rookie closer Kerry Ligtenberg struggled with his control, walking four, including one intentionally. Manager Bobby Cox said he wasn’t overly concerned about Ligtenberg’s performance because the bullpen is deep. Ryan Klesko, who struggled during the regular season, hit a grand slam that broke open Game 1 against the Cubs. Left-hander Denny Neagle, a 16-game winner, returns to the rotation after going to the bullpen in the division series. But Kevin Millwood, a 17-game winner, remains in the bullpen, bolstering that group.

* Key Reserves: Infielder Ozzie Guillen (.277, one homer, 22 RBIs), infielder Tony Graffanino (.211, five homers, 22 RBIs), catcher Eddie Perez (.336, six homers, 32 RBIs).

* Team batting: .272, fourth in National League.

* Team pitching: 3.25 ERA, first in National League.

KEYS TO THE SERIES

The Braves probably won’t have to face Brown three times in the series, which might be good news for them. Padre Manager Bruce Bochy decided not to start Brown in Game 1 because he’s concerned about overworking him. Brown--who pitched on three days’ rest in the division series--would have to pitch on two days’ rest to start three times against the Braves. Atlanta needs big contributions from Andres Galarraga and Chipper Jones. Jones drove in one run and Galarraga failed to drive in a run in the division series. They combined for 228 RBIs during the regular season. The Braves will be in trouble if the Padres have leads entering the ninth, because that’s Hoffman time. Atlanta has the edge in experience, playing in its seventh consecutive championship series. The Braves are determined to return to the World Series after being defeated by the Florida Marlins in last season’s championship series. Weather update: Rain is forecast today and Thursday in Atlanta.

* Records: San Diego 98-64; Atlanta 106-56.

* Head to head: Atlanta won season series, 5-4.