Padres Hammer Scherzer, Rout Mets 7–1 in Playoff Opener

San Diego Padres Manny Machado reacts as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the fifth inning of Game 1 of a National League wild-card baseball playoff series in New York on Oct. 7, 2022. Frank Franklin II/AP Photo

NEW YORK—After pounding Max Scherzer in a stunning romp, the San Diego Padres are halfway home in the wild-card round.

Josh Bell and Manny Machado smashed two of San Diego’s four homers off an ineffective Scherzer, and the Padres blew out the New York Mets 7–1 on Friday night in their playoff opener.