Fri Jun 20 04:50:00 UTC 2025: **Dodgers-Padres Rivalry Heats Up as Hit-by-Pitches Lead to Ejection and Accusations**
**LOS ANGELES** – Tensions flared between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres Tuesday night as a series of hit-by-pitches sparked accusations of intentional targeting and resulted in the ejection of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
The drama unfolded in the third inning when Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez hit Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani on the right quad with a fastball. The incident occurred just a half-inning after Padres player Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by Dodgers reliever Lou Trivino. Umpires issued warnings to both sides following the Ohtani incident, prompting Roberts’ ejection after he argued against the warning.
Vasquez claimed the pitch was unintentional, stating his plan was to pitch inside, and he simply missed his mark. However, Roberts strongly disagreed, asserting he believed Vasquez intentionally hit Ohtani.
The tension had been building since Monday night when Dodgers outfielder Andy Pages was hit by Padres pitcher Dylan Cease and reacted angrily, feeling he was targeted for potentially relaying signs.
Despite the controversy, the Dodgers secured an 8-6 victory, fueled by a stellar performance from Pages, who went 4-for-4 with two home runs. The rivalry continues as the teams face off for two more games, with Padres manager Mike Shildt embracing the intensity, stating, “The best part about a rivalry is people are going to bring their best shot. Good news is both teams are bringing it every night.”
First Piper 