On May 5th, 2023, the San Diego Padres faced off against the Los Angeles Dodgers in what turned out to be an intense and exhilarating game. Both teams entered the game with strong lineups and equally impressive starting pitchers, but it was the Padres who came out on top, thanks in part to the outstanding performance of Fernando Tatis Jr.
One of the biggest storylines heading into the game was the matchup between Clayton Kershaw, the veteran left-handed ace of the Dodgers, and Tatis Jr., the young and talented shortstop of the Padres. The two players had a history, with Tatis Jr. having hit several home runs off Kershaw in previous matchups. This game was no different.
In the bottom of the third inning, with the score tied at 1-1, Tatis Jr. stepped up to the plate to face Kershaw. The crowd at Petco Park was on their feet, eagerly anticipating the showdown between the two stars. On the second pitch of the at-bat, Tatis Jr. crushed a fastball from Kershaw over the left-field fence for a solo home run, giving the Padres a 2-1 lead. The stadium erupted in cheers as Tatis Jr. rounded the bases, pumping his fist in the air as he crossed home plate.
But Tatis Jr. wasn’t done tormenting Kershaw just yet. In the bottom of the fifth inning, with the Padres still holding a 2-1 lead, Tatis Jr. came up to bat once again. This time, Kershaw tried to mix things up by throwing a curveball, hoping to catch Tatis Jr. off guard. But Tatis Jr. was ready for it, and he blasted the pitch into the right-field stands for his second home run of the game, extending the Padres’ lead to 3-1.
The Dodgers tried to mount a comeback, but the Padres’ pitching staff held strong, with starter Chris Paddack going six innings and allowing just one run on four hits. The Padres’ bullpen was equally impressive, with Emilio Pagan and Drew Pomeranz shutting down the Dodgers in the seventh and eighth innings, respectively.
The plate to face Padres closer Mark Melancon
In the top of the ninth inning, the Dodgers had one last chance to tie the game. With two outs and the tying run on first base, Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts stepped up to the plate to face Padres closer Mark Melancon. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Melancon delivered a pitch to Betts. But Betts could only manage to hit a weak grounder to second base, and Padres second baseman Adam Frazier made the routine play to end the game.
The final score: Padres 3, Dodgers 1.
While the Padres’ pitching staff was undoubtedly key to the team’s victory, it was Fernando Tatis Jr. who stole the show. His two home runs off Clayton Kershaw were a reminder of just how dangerous he can be at the plate, and his energy and enthusiasm fired up both his teammates and the crowd. Tatis Jr. finished the game 2-for-4 with two home runs, two runs scored, and two RBIs.
After the game, Tatis Jr. was quick to credit his teammates for the win. “It was a team effort,” he said. “Our pitching was great, and we played solid defense. I was just lucky enough to get a couple of good pitches to hit.”
But there’s no denying that Tatis Jr.’s performance was the difference-maker in the game. His torrid start to the 2023 season has already made him one of the most talked-about players in baseball, and his rivalry with Clayton Kershaw is sure to continue to captivate fans
