Mike Shildt, Michael King, Fernando Tatis Jr. press conference after Tatis Jr. Powers Padres Past Braves in Game 1 of NL Wild Card Series

“It was pretty special. Said it right from the beginning, laser to left. And Tati didn't waste any time. Got a pitch you can hit and put a big boy swing on it. That was huge to get us up.”

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Fernando Tatis Jr. made an electrifying return to postseason baseball, launching a towering two-run homer during his first playoff at-bat in four years, leading the San Diego Padres to a 4-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on Tuesday night at Petco Park. The sellout crowd of 47,647 erupted as Tatis connected with a 94 mph fastball from rookie AJ Smith-Shawver, sending the ball 415 feet into the second deck in left field.

Reflecting on the moment, Tatis remarked, “Totally different. But, man, this crowd is unbelievable. That’s what I was waiting for, just the energy that people were going to bring. And San Diego definitely showed up.” He added, “Just making your crowd go crazy is what we dream of as a kid. Hitting a home run in a clutch spot in a postseason is definitely what you work for.”

After his impressive shot, Tatis said he felt confident the ball would go out but was surprised to see it land in the second deck: “I didn’t know it was going to land in the second deck just because of how high it was. But I was fortunate enough to get my bat path where I wanted.”

Padres manager Mike Shildt praised Tatis's impact, stating, “It was pretty special. Tati didn’t waste any time. Got a pitch you can hit and put a big boy swing on it. That was huge to get us up.” Shildt also lauded the electric atmosphere at Petco Park: “This was really, really electric night, electric scene. Really loud. This place gets so loud and they’re just into it.”

Michael King also shined on the mound, striking out 12 batters while allowing no runs and no walks in his postseason debut, setting a record for most strikeouts in a first playoff start. “I think it was special tonight,” Shildt said. “Everything was working. His misses were where he wanted them to be. I thought he and Higgy were on the same page.”

Asking if there was any thought of bringing King back for another inning, Shildt responded, “That was it. He had done his part. He’d gone over 100 a couple times. We have a good bullpen. They’d turned over the lineup for the fourth time. His night was done and done in very, very impressive fashion.”

Tatis expressed confidence in his teammates, especially with Joe Musgrove taking the mound for Game 2. “We know what Joe is capable of,” he said. “When Joe takes the ball, it’s special, especially in the postseason. Everybody has seen what he’s capable of and how he’s shown himself in those moments. Can’t wait for tomorrow and what’s going to happen.”

Looking forward to the rest of the series, Tatis noted the significance of their journey: “It would mean the world for us to carry this team all the way to the World Series and win it out there. But before that, we definitely know the special group that we have over here. It’s about taking care of the next day.”

UP NEXT
Braves LHP Max Fried (11-10, 3.25 ERA) and Padres RHP Joe Musgrove (6-5, 3.88) are scheduled to start Wednesday night. Fried is a former Padres farmhand, while Musgrove grew up in suburban El Cajon.

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