The San Diego Padres have reminded their fans about their strict policy against bad behavior before Game 3 of their NL Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This comes after some heated moments during Game 2 at Dodger Stadium on Sunday night.
The second game was paused for 12 minutes because rowdy fans threw baseballs at San Diego left fielder Jurickson Profar and littered the outfield with trash.
Profar had made an impressive play by catching a potential home run from Mookie Betts in the first inning. He entertained the crowd by looking at them and jumping up and down before throwing the ball back in.
There were also tense exchanges between Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty and Padres third baseman Manny Machado, especially after Flaherty hit Fernando Tatis Jr. with a pitch and struck out Machado.
On Tuesday night, the Padres secured a 6-5 victory in front of a record crowd of 47,744 at Petco Park, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series. Tatis hit a notable two-run home run during a big six-run second inning.
Game 4 is set for Wednesday night, where the Padres could eliminate the Dodgers from the NLDS for the second time in three years.
In a message sent to season ticket holders and shared on social media, Padres president Erik Greupner praised the fans for creating an excellent home-field advantage. He emphasized that anyone who throws objects onto the field or makes offensive comments will be removed from the game.
“Our game is at its best when our players and fans give everything they have for their team and city while showing respect and sportsmanship towards players and fans of the opposing team,” Greupner stated. “There is never an excuse for abusive speech or behavior towards others at Petco Park.”
“As we continue our push for a World Series championship, our team needs you more than ever,” Greupner added. “Please continue to cheer for the Padres with all you have while showing class and good sportsmanship to those around you.”
The Padres attracted a club-record 3,314,593 fans to their downtown stadium this season, with 56 sellouts in 80 games. They gave up one home game to play a two-game opening series in Seoul, South Korea, against the Dodgers.
On Monday, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was “bothersome” and “unsettling” that a ball Machado threw into the Dodgers’ dugout seemed aimed at him during the Padres’ 10-2 win the night before. Machado explained that he was just tossing the ball in after infield warmups between innings.
When asked about Roberts’ remarks, Padres manager Mike Shildt said he would never speak negatively about a player from another team or the whole team.
“That’s not how I want to operate,” Shildt said a few hours before the start of Game 3. “I have a lot of respect for their club, the players on their club.”
After the seventh inning on Sunday night, Machado gathered the team in the dugout for a quick huddle to keep the Padres focused. In the next two innings, they scored six more runs and hit four of their six home runs, including a second one by Tatis.
“As far as Manny goes, it’s unfortunate people can’t move on from things from the past,” Shildt said. “I thought Manny’s display of professionalism and leadership was clear the other night in a very tough environment.
He, nor I, nor anyone would claim to be perfect, but Manny has made some impressive progress both on and off the field. It’s been a privilege to witness that.”
