Fernando Tatis Jr. returns to the playoffs with a towering 2-run homer for the Padres
San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. tosses his bat after hitting a two-run home run during the first inning in Game 1 of an NL Wild Card Series baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Gregory Bull]
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Fernando Tatis Jr. and his swagger returned to the playoffs with a blast. The 25-year-old San Diego star hit a towering two-run home run on his first playoff swing in four seasons to give the Padres a 2-0 lead against rookie AJ Smith-Shawver and the Atlanta Braves in Game 1 of their Wild Card Series. The shot traveled an estimated 415 feet into the second deck in left field and sent the towel-waving crowd at Petco Park into a frenzy. The dreadlocked Dominican tossed his bat aside and did his signature stutter-step around third base.
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San Diego Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. reacts after connecting for a two-run home run during the first inning in Game 1 of an NL Wild Card Series baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Gregory Bull