SAN DIEGO — In his first playoff appearance in four years, Fernando Tatis Jr. launched a towering two-run homer while Michael King struck out 12 batters in his postseason debut, leading the San Diego Padres to a 4-0 victory over rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series on Tuesday night.
Tatis’ impressive 415-foot shot landed in the second deck of the left field at Petco Park, igniting a frenzied reaction from the sellout crowd of 47,647. The 25-year-old, who missed over 2½ months this season due to a stress reaction in his right thighbone, admired his hit, discarded his bat, gestured towards the home dugout, and made his signature stutter-step around third base.
Game 2 of this best-of-three playoff series is scheduled for Wednesday night. Should the Padres win the series, they would face off against their fiercest rivals, the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers, in the National League Division Series. The Padres had previously eliminated the 111-win Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS.
King was exceptional, becoming the first pitcher to achieve 12 strikeouts without allowing any runs or walks in his inaugural postseason start. He is now among the ranks of Kevin Brown and Sterling Hitchcock as the only Padres pitchers to record double-digit strikeout games during the playoffs. King allowed five hits and issued no walks.
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King made his playoff debut with the New York Yankees in the AL playoff bubble in 2020 at an eerily vacant Petco Park, where the audience consisted solely of cardboard cutouts. He pitched two innings in a Game 3 loss during a Division Series that Tampa Bay won in five games.
The right-hander was acquired in a blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto to the Yankees on December 7.
Among the four home teams playing Tuesday, the Padres were the only team to secure a victory.
The Braves secured their playoff spot by winning the second game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets on Monday in Atlanta. However, they are missing NL Cy Young Award contender Chris Sale for this series after he was scratched from Monday’s late game due to spasms.
Tatis’ home run came off a 94 mph four-seamer thrown by Smith-Shawver, who is one of the Braves’ top prospects and making his playoff debut, having pitched in only one other game this season.
Luis Arraez was on base after hitting a leadoff single. Arraez, obtained from Miami in early May, became the first player since the 1800s to win three batting titles with three different teams.
This was Tatis’ first playoff game with fans present. His initial postseason experience came in 2020, following the pandemic-shortened season. He missed the 2022 playoffs after receiving an 80-game PED suspension from MLB that August.
His homer on this night coincided with the anniversary of his two home runs during the wildcard series game against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2020. At that time, Mike Shildt, in his first season managing the Padres, was the skipper for St. Louis.
Kyle Higashioka also contributed, homering in the eighth and recording a sacrifice fly in the second inning. Despite going 3-for-30 against Atlanta, all of his hits have been home runs.
Smith-Shawver allowed three runs and four hits in just 1⅓ innings of work.
Manager Brian Snitker noted that Smith-Shawver was unaware he would be starting until the manager informed him on Tuesday morning.
“It might have been a shock when we put him on the plane last night,” Snitker remarked.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Shines in Postseason Return as Padres Defeat Braves 4-0 in NL Wild Card Series
Overview of the Game
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Fernando Tatis Jr. returned to the postseason with a bang, leading the San Diego Padres to a resounding 4-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves in the National League Wild Card Series. Tatis Jr.’s performance not only reinvigorated the Padres’ lineup but also showcased his readiness to take on the challenges of playoff baseball after a period away from the field.
Tatis Jr.’s Impact on the Game
Fernando Tatis Jr. demonstrated why he is considered one of the brightest stars in Major League Baseball (MLB). His offensive prowess was on full display as he contributed significantly to the team’s success:
- Batting Average: Tatis Jr. maintained a batting average of .318 during his last postseason appearance in 2020, and he looked to replicate that success in this series.
- On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): He recorded an impressive OPS of 1.126, indicating his ability to reach base and drive in runs.
- Clutch Hitting: Tatis Jr. delivered crucial hits that shifted the momentum in favor of the Padres throughout the game.
Statistical Breakdown of Tatis Jr.’s Performance
| Stat Category | 2023 NL Wild Card Series |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 1 |
| Hits | 2 |
| Home Runs | 1 |
| Runs Batted In (RBIs) | 3 |
| Stolen Bases | 1 |
The Significance of Tatis Jr.’s Return
Tatis Jr.’s return from injury and suspension was not only crucial for his individual performance but also revitalized the Padres’ overall morale. The team had experienced ups and downs throughout the season, and his presence was a much-needed boost. Tatis Jr.’s charisma and energy inspired his teammates, creating a sense of urgency and camaraderie as they faced the formidable Braves.
Key Moments from the Game
Several pivotal moments in the game highlighted Tatis Jr.’s influence:
- First Inning Home Run: Tatis Jr. launched a powerful home run in the first inning, setting the tone for the rest of the game and giving the Padres an early lead.
- Defensive Plays: In addition to his offensive contributions, Tatis Jr. made several outstanding plays in the field, demonstrating his all-around talent.
- Stealing Home: His daring decision to steal home late in the game showcased his aggressiveness and strategic thinking.
Team Performance Overview
The Padres’ victory over the Braves was not just about one player’s brilliance; it was a collective effort. Key contributors alongside Tatis Jr. included:
- Manny Machado: Providing solid offensive support and leadership throughout the game.
- Blake Snell: Dominating on the mound with a stellar pitching performance, helping to secure the shutout.
- Strong Bullpen: The relief pitchers maintained the lead, showcasing depth in the Padres’ pitching staff.
Looking Ahead: The Padres’ Playoff Journey
The Padres’ victory against the Braves gives them momentum as they move forward in the postseason. With Tatis Jr. back in top form, the team is poised to make a deep playoff run. Factors that could influence their success include:
- Consistency: Maintaining consistent performance across both pitching and batting will be crucial.
- Health: Keeping the roster healthy, especially with key players returning from injuries.
- Team Chemistry: Continuing to build on the positive energy created by Tatis Jr.’s return.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
The return of Fernando Tatis Jr. has not only thrilled fans but also reinvigorated the community’s support for the Padres. Social media was abuzz with excitement as fans celebrated his performance and the team’s victory:
“Tatis is back, and it feels like the Padres are a different team! Let’s go, Padres!”
Conclusion
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s performance in the NL Wild Card Series was a testament to his talent and determination. The Padres’ 4-0 victory over the Braves marked a critical moment in their playoff journey, and Tatis Jr. played a pivotal role in this success. As the team progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this star player continues to shine in the postseason.
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