Dodgers vs. Padres: Diamond Rivalry with Spark and Ejections
The intense rivalry between the Dodgers and the Padres flared up again at Dodger Stadium on Tuesday night, marking an encounter full of tension that culminated in Los Angeles’ 8-6 victory. The game was characterized by a series of hit-by-pitches, warnings, and the ejection of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Tension rose in the third inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch from reliever Lou Trivino. In the bottom of the same inning, Shohei Ohtani also got hit by a pitch, this time from Dominican starter Randy Vásquez. This led the umpires to issue warnings to both teams. Roberts was quick to express his dissatisfaction from the dugout, apparently demanding Vásquez’s ejection. His complaint escalated until he was ejected by third base umpire Tripp Gibson. Roberts himself admitted later that he did not realize the exact moment of his ejection.According to the head of umpires, Marvin Hudson, Roberts was ejected for arguing warnings, something that is not allowed. The situation generated even more discomfort in the Dodgers’ manager upon learning that his counterpart, Mike Shildt, did receive a detailed explanation on the field. The people involved in the beanballs denied any malicious intent. Vásquez assured that it was not intentional, explaining that he was trying to throw inside to Ohtani. Shildt backed up that version, although he acknowledged that the hit to Tatis was not well received by his team. The night before, Andy Pagés was hit by Dylan Cease, generating suspicions of intentionality. Pagés responded with two home runs in Tuesday’s game, being key in the Dodgers’ victory, which extends their lead over San Diego in the National League West Division. The tension continued in the seventh inning, when José Iglesias was hit on the left hand by a pitch from Matt Sauer, although there was no ejection. Hudson explained that they did not perceive intent in that case, an opinion shared by Shildt.With Tatis, it wasn’t intentional. But with Ohtani, there was a free base. It’s difficult to miss like that with a right-handed pitcher. He hit him after trying once. It was absolutely intentional.
Dave Roberts
Emotions were running high, but I didn’t see any ill intent there. Sometimes, pitches just get away.
Mike Shildt
