Fri Jun 20 04:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Dodgers’ Pages Takes Exception to Hit-by-Pitch, Sparks Near-Brawl with Padres

**LOS ANGELES, CA** – Tensions flared Monday night between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres after Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning, leading to a heated exchange and near-dugout clearing incident.

The incident occurred immediately after Max Muncy drove in two runs to give the Dodgers the lead. Pages, believing the hit-by-pitch from Padres starter Dylan Cease was intentional, stared down the pitcher, prompting both teams to prepare to leave their dugouts. Ultimately, no physical altercation took place.

“This game is crazy, right, this rivalry. It’s back and forth,” said Padres third baseman Manny Machado after the game, attributing Pages’ reaction to the intensity of the Dodgers-Padres rivalry.

Machado downplayed the intentionality of the pitch, suggesting if the Padres were looking to send a message, Pages wouldn’t be the target. “They got way more superstars over there if we want to hit somebody,” he stated. “They’ve got some big dogs over there we could hit.”

Pages, while admitting his reaction was perhaps excessive, cited adrenaline as the driving force behind his response. Despite the on-field animosity, Machado praised Pages’ performance this season, acknowledging his strong showing despite a recent dip in batting average.

The Dodgers went on to score five runs in that pivotal fourth inning, fueled by RBIs from Tommy Edman, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts, ultimately securing a victory over the Padres. This win extends the Dodgers’ lead in the NL West, as they now sit four games ahead of San Diego.

This incident highlights the growing intensity of the rivalry between the two NL West powerhouses, who will meet only three more times this season before a series in mid-August. The Padres are also rumored to be making moves at the trade deadline with one of their all-star player being linked to the Yankees.

*(More news on Padres injuries and potential trade deadline moves can be found on Padres on SI.)*

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