USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates with San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates with San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
With the MLB regular season in its final stages, the Los Angeles Dodgers took on the San Diego Padres today. Although the Padres are out of playoff contention, the Dodgers seek automatic qualification by topping National League West. Amidst these ambitions, Padres hitter Fernando Tatis Jr. stole the show with a shot that left the Dodger Stadium in awe.
Fernando Tatis Jr. smashes a 467-foot hit against the Dodgers
The 22-year-old joined the Padres in 2019, and has been one of their star players ever since. In 2020, Tatis Jr. made the All-MLB First Team, and won the Silver Slugger award. This year, the Dominican made his first All-Star appearance to add to his growing career, which many deemed promising when he joined.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Prior to today’s game, the Padres came with a 78-79 record, far off the Dodgers’ 102-56 record. This means they will not make the postseason this year and will have to try next year. However, their Dominican superstar gave Padres’ fans reason to cheer at the Dodger Stadium today.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In the top of the fifth inning, Tatis Jr. smashed Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin for a home run. The ball didn’t just head out of the park, but out of Dodger Stadium altogether!
.@tatis_jr hits it OUT OF DODGER STADIUM! pic.twitter.com/EXJIOq2iWG
— MLB (@MLB) October 1, 2021
The distance travelled by the ball was a staggering 467 feet, and it did so with a velocity of 116.6 miles per hour. This shot from Tatis Jr. gave the Padres a two-run home run, reducing the deficit to 3-4. In addition, this was the Dominican’s 42nd home run of the season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the game
Tatis Jr.’s home run would be the last scored by the Padres, as the Dodgers took another massive victory. They scored three runs in the sixth inning, and one more in the seventh to take a comprehensive 8-3 win.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder AJ Pollock (11) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
This takes their record to an impressive 103-56, two games behind the San Francisco Giants. Although they are favorites to take a wildcard spot, they will want to dethrone the Giants from the top of the NL West. However, this can only happen if they win all their remaining games and the Giants lose all of theirs.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
READ MORE: WATCH: Detroit Tigers’ Pitcher Tosses Ball Over 100 Ft High Straight Into Stands
