The two were seen arguing throughout the game Sunday night, and now we might know why San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado called out Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty. I don't know.
Machado believes Flaherty may have intentionally hit Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres' hottest hitter right now, during San Diego's 10-2 win in Game 2.
This post comes after fans at Dodger Stadium threw baseballs, beer cans and other objects at Padres players on Sunday night, leading to an incident that forced the Padres, the umpires, and the stadium to stop the game entirely. There were many reasons why the season was so chaotic. Guards are gathered in the middle of the field.
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San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. and third baseman Manny Machado during the NLDS vs. Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. (Jane Comin Once Image Image)
Hostility from the crowd reached its peak, but this NL West rivalry ended with Machado and Flaherty jawing each other after Tatis was hit by a pitch from right-hander Dodger after the sixth inning. The rivalry in the West Region was on full display.
After the game, Machado spoke to MLB.com about his feelings about the current situation.
“He was trying to hit our No. 1 hitter,” he said candidly.
Padres beat Dodgers in Game 2 of NLDS; fans throw things at San Diego players
“If you can't take him out, don't hit him, right? They got the best player in the game, right? Ohtani? We're going to go out there and try to hit Ohtani. We're trying to get rid of him.'' ”
Tatis, who gave the Padres the lead with a home run off Flaherty early in the first inning, also felt he was intentionally pitched.
“There are too many important series to just throw to the players,” Tatis said via MLB.com. “That's what I understand. That's what my baseball IQ is telling me. When he hit me, he gave me more energy. I My sons gave me more energy.”
Los Angeles pitcher Jack Flaherty takes the mound in the second inning of a game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. (Jane Comin Once Image Image)
However, Flaherty denied pitching to Tatis, saying he was trying to pitch more inside because his first-inning home run remained outside the plate.
“Look, I missed it in the first inning and threw the ball over the middle,” he explained, via MLB.com. “I wasn't going to miss another at-bat. There's no reason to hit him there to start in the sixth inning.”
Machado struck out Flaherty late in the sixth inning, but after striking out an infielder, Machado was told by the pitcher to “shut up, mom,” and that's when his anger began to flare up.
Then, in the bottom of the sixth inning, Flaherty and Machado were still exchanging words in the dugout. It was as if Machado had said he would meet Flaherty outside after the game.
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado reacts after striking out against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. (Jane Comin Once Image Image)
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This NLDS matchup is still down to one game at a time heading into Game 3 in San Diego on Tuesday night, with more drama expected as the National League's powerhouse teams compete for a chance to win the pennant. There is no doubt about it.
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