ST. LOUIS — Through injuries and slumps, demotions and disappointments, Dansby Swanson and Adam Duvall got ready for the big moment.

When it arrived, they were ready.

Swanson hit a tying double with two outs in the ninth inning and Duvall delivered a two-run single as the Atlanta Braves rallied past the St. Louis Cardinals 3-1 on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the NL Division Series.

“They never quit. They never give up,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “The heart and desire and will is unbelievable in those guys.”

Atlanta had managed just four hits off Adam Wainwright and Andrew Miller before breaking through against closer Carlos Martínez. With runners on the corners, Swanson tied it at 1 with a drive off the wall in left.

Swanson pumped his arms as he celebrated after his third hit of the game . He came through after an intentional walk to Brian McCann — Swanson’s .187 batting average with runners in scoring position was the lowest in the majors this year among qualified players.

“I love Dansby in those situations. I always have,” Snitker said. “That kid lives for that moment.”

Watching the inning develop, Swanson said he thought he might get a chance to bat in a big spot.

“In those situations, you just try and breathe and relax,” said Swanson, who missed the playoffs last year because of an injured left hand. “It’s easier said than done.”