The San Diego Padres were criticized by Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts on Tuesday for hurling a beanball at Shohei Ohtani.
At Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, Padres pitcher Randy Vasquez hit Ohtani with a fastball that reached 94 mph in the bottom of the third inning.
Roberts strongly objected to the umpires, saying that Vasquez’s pitch that struck Ohtani was motivated by resentment. Trip Gibson, the third base umpire, quickly ejected Roberts from the game. Roberts got ejected for the first time this season.
During his postgame news conference, Roberts didn’t mince words when asked if he thought the HBP on Ohtani was intentional.
Yes, without a doubt. “Yes,” Roberts answered. “In my opinion, if they believe that their side of baseball justifies it, then by all means, own it. We then proceed. It’s not a misfire, though. I do believe that was deliberate.
After Dodgers pitcher Lou Trivino struck Fernando Tatis Jr. with a sinker at 95 mph, Roberts believed the ball to Ohtani was a retaliatory strike. The Padres took a 3-2 lead when Trivino’s hit resulted in two runs. It’s difficult to believe the first blow was deliberate.
Roberts had to watch from the Dodger Stadium clubhouse as the Dodgers emerged victorious 8–6, but they had the last word of the evening. This season, the host squad defeated their division rivals 4-1.
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