In successive at-bats in the first inning, Manny Machado struck out and Jackson Merrill grounded into a fielder’s choice on a first-pitch sweeper that was barely above the ground. In the second inning, Machado broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run double and Merrill made it 5-1 with a two-run triple.

Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a towering two-run homer on his first playoff swing in four years and King dominates in his first postseason start as the Padres roll to a 4-0 win at Petco Park. Game 2 is

San Diego Padres manager Mike Shildt had a decision to make. He could have started his ace Dylan Cease in Game One of the Padres Wild Card series against the Atlanta Braves. Joe Musgrove or Yu Darvish would also have been solid options.

If the Padres win the wild-card series, they'll face their biggest rivals, the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers, in the National League Division Series. King finished with 12 strikeouts.

Michael King joins MLB Tonight to discuss his Game 1 start, his expectations going into the game, facing Ozzie Albies, the crowd and more

Michael King was every bit as good in his first postseason start as he had been in his first season as a full-time starting pitcher. Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a home run in his first playoff at-bat in front of fans at Petco Park.

The San Diego Padres turned to Michael King to start Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday and he looked like a postseason vetera