Padres Rally After Tatis Ejection in Thrilling Comeback Win

NEW YORK — Late Monday at Yankee Stadium, revenge was a dish best served with a pair of well-struck line drives.

In the top of the eighth, in a game marred by two rain delays, home-plate umpire Adrian Johnson ejected right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and then manager Mike Shildt after the two voiced their displeasure with the strike zone. Tatis’ ejection was the first of his career, while Shildt’s was his first of the season.

“I forgot,” Tatis said after the game, laughing. “I’m just happy I got the boys hyped.”

Immediately following Tatis’ departure, first baseman Luis Arraez drew a two-out walk to load the bases. Moments later, third baseman Manny Machado delivered a double to score the Padres’ first two runs of the game. Shortstop Xander Bogaerts then added to the momentum, hitting the very next pitch to drive in Arraez and Machado, ultimately securing the victory at 4-3.

This win marked the Padres’ sixth in a row and their 23rd in 34 games this year. It showcased their resilience, much to the delight of players and coaches alike.

“We’re just gritty, man. We play for one another,” said utility player Tyler Wade. “We don’t care what the score is until the last out is made.”

Starting pitcher Carlos Rodón held the Padres scoreless until he exited with two outs in the seventh. The game had a delayed start of nearly 30 minutes due to rain. Nick Pivetta of the Padres faced similar conditions, competing for 3.2 innings before the second rain delay.

As the game progressed into the eighth, both teams faced pressure. Tatis, batting with the game still close, disagreed with a strike call that squashed a possible rally. Shildt’s fervor soon followed, as he stormed onto the field to plead his case, leading to his ejection.

“Look, (umpiring) is a hard job,” Shildt said. “But Tatis was ejected while walking away from the umpire, which is frustrating.”

Despite the early challenges, the Padres managed to capitalize late in the game, showing they could rise above adversity. Even in the absence of key players like Jackson Merrill and Jake Cronenworth, who are sidelined due to injuries, the Padres have incited their resilient spirit.

“You can see what kind of team we are, man,” Tatis shared. “Everybody has each other’s back over here.”