Jurickson Profar hit a grand slam five innings after a heated moment, helping the San Diego Padres defeat the Washington Nationals 9-7 in a lively game between the teams.
Profar’s fourth career grand slam, his second this season, came in the sixth inning off Derek Law. The crowd at Petco Park cheered wildly as the ball flew just inside the foul pole into the right field home run porch. Profar celebrated by tossing his bat aside, tapping his chest, and gesturing to the Padres’ dugout during his home run trot.
Having a standout season at age 31 on a $1 million contract, Profar is currently leading the voting for NL outfielders in the All-Star Game. This was his 11th home run of the season.
Reflecting on his grand slam, Profar said, “I was focused on coming through for my team with the bases loaded, again.”
The game began with tension in the first inning when Washington’s catcher Keibert Ruiz confronted Profar just before his at-bat, touching his shoulder. Manny Machado, waiting to bat, stepped in between them, and both teams quickly gathered on the field. However, no punches were thrown.
Asked about the incident, Profar downplayed it, saying, “I’m here to play baseball. That’s me.”
Profar expressed his displeasure with Ruiz touching him, stating, “You can talk, but you can’t touch. I have to be smart in that situation, not wanting to risk suspension or ejection, which wouldn’t help my team.”
Following the confrontation, Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore hit Profar with a pitch but was not ejected. Padres manager Mike Shildt protested the decision and was thrown out of the game by umpire Adam Hamari, who later explained that Shildt was ejected for arguing after a warning had been issued.
