The Dodgers-Padres rivalry was on full display during Game 2 of the National League Division Series, as tensions ran high and fans got involved in dangerous behavior. The game took a turn in the sixth inning when Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty hit Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch, leading to heated exchanges between players. Flaherty denied intentionally hitting Tatis, stating that he was trying to push him off the plate. After a bunt single by Jurickson Profar, Flaherty struck out Manny Machado and continued to exchange words with him from the dugout. Machado accused Flaherty of trying to hit their best hitter and throwing a baseball into their dugout.
The situation escalated further when a fan threw a baseball at Profar as he took the field in the bottom of the seventh inning. Security quickly intervened, and Padres players gathered on the outfield grass for a discussion before another ball was thrown at Profar. The game was delayed for approximately 10 minutes while order was restored.
Umpire crew chief Dan Bellino emphasized that player safety is taken seriously and measures were taken to ensure no further incidents occurred. The public address announcer also warned fans against throwing objects onto the field.
Both teams acknowledged the hostile environment but remained focused on their play. The Padres responded with four home runs in the final two innings, including Tatis’ second of the night.
This incident adds to an ongoing history of animosity between these division rivals, with previous altercations involving Jurickson Profar being at its center earlier this year.
it is clear that emotions ran high during this game, but both teams are determined to let their performance speak for itself without resorting to dangerous or unsportsmanlike behavior.