"I just hate it."
San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatís Jr. made an unrestrained remark towards Los Angeles Dodgers fans on the 22nd (Korea time), according to U.S. sports media outlet Total Pro Sports. Tatís delivered a sharp message during the final game of the four-game series against the Dodgers, which unfolded under recent tense conditions.
Before the four-game series held from the 17th to the 20th at Dodger Stadium, Tatís did not hide his uncomfortable feelings about the venue, saying, "I just hate it." Those feelings were expressed throughout the series and ultimately led to clashes.
In the final game held on the 20th, Tatís was replaced after being hit by a 95 mph (approximately 153 km/h) fastball thrown by Dodgers pitcher Jack Little in the ninth inning with one out. Home fans cheered, and Tatís showed an agitated reaction. After the game, he stated, "At that moment, I didn't think it was intentional, but I wonder how many times I've been hit up until now. At some point, I feel like 'that's enough.'"
Regarding the home fans' reactions, he said, "Everyone knows what Dodgers fans are like. It's just part of the circus," even making a mocking comment.
In that game, there was also a bench-clearing incident between the two teams. San Diego manager Mike Shildt protested strongly to the umpire, and while Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was trying to intervene, he pushed Shildt, causing both benches to stir. Both managers were ejected. Afterward, Padres relief pitcher Robert Suárez caused another surge of tension by throwing a pitch at Shohei Ohtani as retaliation.
The game ended with San Diego winning 5-3, but Tatís's remarks and the intense tension between the two teams left a bigger impression than the game itself. Tatís's straightforward comments are likely to serve as another spark in future matchups against the Dodgers.
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