'How dare you throw a dune at Ohtani?'
LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has changed to the 'Fiery Man' mode for the first time in a long time. This is because Shohei Ohtani, the team's leading hitter and the first pitcher's return game this year, snapped when he was hit by an opposing pitcher's ball. He ran out to the ground and shouted violently at the judges.
It was Roberts' strong appeal to protect the player. However, in the end, he was sent off 'Season No. 1'.
Roberts was sent off while appealing to the empty-ball situation in a home game against the San Diego Padres in the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on the morning of the 18th (Korea time).
It was during the offense in the bottom of the third inning when the Dodgers came from behind 2-3. After one out, Ohtani entered the batter's box. San Diego right-hander Randy Vasquez threw a 93.8-mile (about 151 km) fastball on the second pitch following the first ball, which hit Ohtani's right thigh. Ohtani screamed the moment he was hit. There seemed to be a strong shock.
In the context, it can be assumed that it is a highly intentional bean ball. This is because the Dodgers and San Diego have already been engaged in a considerable war of nerves since the previous day. Only by looking back on the narrative of the conflict that continued from the previous day can we understand why Ohtani was hit by an empty ball.
In the previous day's game, the Dodgers succeeded in turning the tables by scoring five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning when they were trailing 1-2. In the process, a situation suspected of being an empty ball occurred. In the bottom of the fourth inning, San Diego starter Dylan Shees, who allowed Max Muncy to make a timely two-run comeback with runners on second and third bases with one out, hit the elbow of the follow-up hitter Andy Pazs.
Pazs considered this dune to be deliberate. I've been glaring at Siz for a while. Shees also made a nervous response, opening her arms and saying, `It was a real shot.' San Diego coach Mike Shildt also shouted profanely at Pazs. Bench clearing almost came out, but the situation was settled for now as Pazs went out to first base.
However, there was still a rift between the two teams. In the end, San Diego lost 3-6 in the game on the 17th.
During the game on the 18th, the spark of emotion burned again. In the top of the third inning, Dodgers' second pitcher Lou Trivino threw a pitch to San Diego batter Fernando Tatis Jr., who came to the batter's box with no outs and second base. After the first foul, the second sinker (95.4 miles) hit Tatis Jr. in the back. Tatis Jr. put up with it for now. After turning around for a while and calming down the pain and anger, he went to first base. In the end, San Diego scored two points in the top of the third inning to make a 3-2 comeback.
Ryu's attack on the Dodgers in the bottom of the third inning. The ball thrown by San Diego Vazquez hit Ohtani's thigh. Under the circumstances, it deserves suspicion that it has the character of revenge for Tatis Jr.'s dune. In fact, the Major League broadcast screen also showed Tatis Jr., who was defending at this moment. It means Ohtani wasn't hit by the ball for no reason.
Then Roberts burst into anger. For now, the referee warned both teams of benches. However, Roberts' protest did not stop. In the end, referee Marvin Hudson ordered Roberts to leave. It is Roberts' first exit of the season.
In the absence of the coach, the Los Angeles Dodgers succeeded in turning around again. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Will Smith's solo home run, Pazas' one-run timely hit, and Tommy Edman's two-run timely double combined to score five runs, leading 8-6 until the eighth inning. If he wins like this, the Dodgers will record four consecutive wins.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
