Dodgers vs. Padres Game Sparks Controversy Over Hit By Pitch

LOS ANGELES — A heated game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres escalated on Tuesday night after a hit by pitch led to ejections and intense verbal exchanges. It all unfolded in the third inning when Dodgers’ pitcher, Victor Vasquez, threw a fastball that struck superstar Shohei Ohtani on his right quad, prompting umpires to issue warnings to both teams.

After the incident, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts voiced his strong belief that Vasquez’s pitch was intentional. ‘Absolutely. He hasn’t come close. I feel it was intentional,’ Roberts said. ‘That’s part of baseball, which we all understand.’ In contrast, Vasquez insisted the pitch was not meant to hit Ohtani, stating, ‘I just didn’t execute the pitch.’

The tensions continued with multiple incidents throughout the game, including Dodgers center fielder being hit in the elbow the previous night, leading to further disputes about intent. Padres manager Mike Shildt downplayed the controversy, attributing the hits to mistakes in execution.

Roberts became visibly upset when the umpires issued warnings, arguing that it wasn’t warranted. ‘I just wanted an explanation on their thought process. I didn’t come in hot,’ he explained, referring to his subsequent ejection from the game.

In the seventh inning, another hit by pitch occurred, but this time the Dodgers’ pitcher was not ejected, aggravating feelings on the Padres’ side. ‘I think it’s fantastic,’ Shildt remarked regarding the rivalry, emphasizing that both teams bring their best to the field.

Despite the drama, Dodgers’ Andy Pages stood out, going 4-for-4 with two home runs, continuing his emergence as a star. ‘I think Andy spoke for himself today,’ said Dodgers third baseman Evan Longoria. ‘He told them who he was.’ The game ended as the Dodgers secured their fourth win in five matchups against the Padres this season.