Padres Defeat Braves 4-0 in NL Wild Card

In Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series, the San Diego Padres defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-0, thanks to stellar performances from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Michael King. Tatis marked his playoff return with a two-run homer on his first swing in four years, sending the crowd at Petco Park into a frenzy. Meanwhile, King excelled in his postseason debut, striking out 12 batters without allowing a run or walk, becoming the first pitcher to achieve such a feat in his first postseason start for the Padres. The Padres are now one win away from advancing to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Division Series. This victory is significant as it highlights the unexpected success of the team following the trade of Juan Soto to the Yankees, which many believed would initiate a rebuild. The Braves, deprived of key pitcher Chris Sale due to injury, struggled against the Padres' pitching and offense.