In a game that exemplifies the heated rivalry between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres, emotions ran high on Tuesday night. The spotlight found its way to Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez after he hit Dodgers’ star slugger Shohei Ohtani in the third inning, sparking a debate about whether the move was intentional.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts didn’t mince words following his team’s 8-6 victory. When pressed on the matter, Roberts firmly asserted his belief that the pitch was deliberate. He commented, “Absolutely,” and went on to agree that while it’s part of baseball, the pitcher should own up to it when they hit a rival player on purpose. He did give credit for hitting Ohtani in the leg rather than somewhere more dangerous.
The incident added more fuel to the already intense atmosphere, especially since it came just a half-inning after Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. was struck by Dodgers reliever Lou Trivino. Earlier in the series, the tensions simmered when Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages was hit by a pitch, a move he suspected wasn’t accidental. The series has a knack for boiling over, reflecting the intense postseason history between these teams. The Padres triumphed over the Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS, while the Dodgers got their revenge in 2024 by knocking the Padres out in a nail-biting series.
Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the rivalry’s intensity, noting, “The best part about a rivalry is people are going to bring their best shot. Both teams are bringing it every night, and we love it.” Shildt even jested about the desire to face the Dodgers every night, though that’s more a testament to the competitive fire than a realistic wish.
The series will continue in Los Angeles on Wednesday and Thursday night. With the Dodgers already securing victories in the first two games, the Padres will be eager to fight back and make their mark in this electrifying matchup.
