The Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the San Diego Padres 8-6 Tuesday night in a game marked by heightened tensions and fiery exchanges. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts earned his 13th career ejection after vehemently arguing with umpires following Shohei Ohtani being hit by a pitch from Padres right-hander Randy Vasquez. Roberts made no secret of his belief that the hit was intentional.
Roberts Calls Out Intentional Hit on Ohtani
“Roberts said it was ‘absolutely’ intentional, adding that ‘It’s not a misfire. I do feel it was intentional. For me, if they feel that’s warranted on their side—part of baseball, that’s what they feel. I give him credit because they hit him in the leg. Own it, and we move on.’”
The altercation came shortly after Vasquez threw an inside fastball that brushed Ohtani’s back, followed by a pitch that struck the three-time MVP on his right thigh. Warnings were promptly issued to both teams. Roberts’ ejection came as he protested the umpires’ handling of the situation, reflecting his protective stance toward his star player.
Pages Praises Roberts’ Passionate Defense

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Center fielder Andy Pages, who himself was hit by Padres pitcher Dylan Cease on Monday night, praised Roberts’ passionate defense. “Pages said the incident ‘fuels us’ and that Roberts ‘was trying to defend his players.’” Pages had exchanged an intense stare-down with Cease after taking a hit by pitch in the previous game.
Heated Dodgers-Padres Rivalry Continues
The Dodgers-Padres rivalry, already fierce given their recent postseason clashes, has grown more heated with this series. Padres manager Mike Shildt welcomed the intensity, calling it “fantastic” and praising both teams for bringing their best every night.
The four-game set will conclude with two more games in Los Angeles this week, with the Dodgers holding a 2-0 lead so far. Both teams are clearly willing to push the limits, promising an emotionally charged finale.