It’s payback time in Petco Park as Padres’ star Fernando Tatis Jr. has a clear message for the Dodgers ahead of their second game of the series. After winning 2-1 in the series opener, the Padres’ clubhouse is motivated to avenge their last series against the Dodgers.
Just when the Padres threatened the NL West division lead last week, the Dodgers showed levels and swept San Diego. Now, it’s time for the Padres to turn things around, as a win on Saturday night could get them the division lead.
Ahead of the second game, Tatis Jr. said the Padres are coming for the Dodgers after being taken down last week.
“It was huge,” Tatis Jr. said. “Everybody knew what happened last weekend. We were trying to get the first one. Now we’re aiming for the last two.”
Tatis Jr. was at the center of a major feud between Dodgers-Padres last time
Back in June, the South California rivalry between the Dodgers and Padres reached their respective managers. This happened after Dodgers reliever Jack Little hit Tatis Jr. on the hand with a pitch, leaving Padres manager Mike Shildt storming out to confront Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. Roberts was also not having it, and it didn’t take long for benches to clear amid a physical scuffle.
The Padres settled the hit on Tatis Jr. in their own way by hitting Dodgers’ superstar Shohei Ohtani with a pitch. Later, Tatis Jr. questioned why Dodgers’ pitchers have often targeted him.
So far, the Dodgers and the Padres have faced each other 11 times this season, with the former winning seven encounters.
