Fri Jun 20 04:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following a tense game where both Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres and Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers were hit by pitches, and after losing the first two games of their series, Tatis Jr. downplayed any potential for further escalation between the two teams. Despite the rising tensions and the rivalry stemming from last year’s NLDS, Tatis Jr. believes both teams, filled with experienced players, know how to handle themselves. The Padres are looking to avoid losing another game in the series and get some payback.
**News Article:**
**Tatis Jr. Dismisses Concerns of Escalating Hostility in Dodgers-Padres Series**
SAN DIEGO – Despite rising tensions after a game where both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani were hit by pitches, Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. downplayed the possibility of the rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers spiraling out of control. Following two consecutive losses to their NL West rivals, the Padres are under pressure to avoid a series sweep.
“Two teams just going at it,” Tatis Jr. told reporters before Wednesday’s game. “I don’t see anything brewing. There’s a lot of Hall-of-Famers out there and everybody knows how to handle themselves.”
The tension reached a peak on Tuesday night when Dodgers reliever Lou Trivino hit Tatis Jr. shortly before a Padres pitcher plunked Ohtani, drawing the ire of both managers. While some fans speculated on the intent behind the pitches, Tatis Jr. seemed unconcerned about the incidents.
The Dodgers defeated the Padres in last year’s NLDS en route to winning the World Series. The Padres, hungry for revenge, are looking to turn the tide and prove they are a force to be reckoned with in the National League.
First Piper 