What happened: Alden Gonzalez called the current stretch the ideal version of Fernando Tatis Jr. He tied that level to playoff energy in San Diego and its effect on the Padres' postseason return.
Why it matters: San Diego is back in the postseason after clinching a playoff berth last week. Home production from Tatis Jr. sets the tone for a Wild Card series where early momentum decides advancement.
By the numbers: Padres core of Tatis Jr., Machado, Merrill and Bogaerts totaled 3 homers and 6 RBIs in the Wild Card opener, with five balls topped 103 mph.
What to watch: Watch whether Tatis Jr. sustains that home production as the Wild Card round continues in San Diego.