Trent Grisham’s home run that ruffled the Los Angeles Dodgers’ feathers.
The 10 games played between the Padres and Dodgers in the shortened 2020 season have been more thrilling than the other 50 games on the docket. And the intensity of the rivalry went up a notch after Padres Trent Grisham homered off of Dodgers Clayton Kershaw in the opening game of a big September series at Petco Park.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts criticized the outfielder’s outward antics at the plate and around the bases after hitting the moment-changing home run. He felt the display disrespected Kershaw’s stature in the sport.
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On the other side of the diamond, the Padres were looking to make a statement and validating their legitimacy as a true contender in the National League. If the Friars are going to reach their potential, then they must go through and not around the Dodgers.
In the end, the Dodgers went 6-4 in the season series, but they can see the Padres making up ground in their rearview mirror. This young, confident team is ready to knock Big Blue off their perch. If the first 10 games are any indication, the next five games should take this rivalry to the next level.
Despite being only 120 miles apart from one another, San Diego and Los Angeles are two completely different sports markets. Lifelong Padres fans are raised to hate the Dodgers. And this group has been waiting for this moment their entire life.
We hate them and they hate us.
Let’s play ball!!!