During Sunday’s face-off against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Padres’ star shortstop Ha-Seong Kim had a heart-stopping moment when he took a hit to the wrist from Walker Buehler’s pitch. Writhing in agony, Kim had to exit the game in the fourth inning, leaving fans and teammates anxious. Fortunately, subsequent X-rays brought relief, showing no serious injury.
Reflecting on the incident, Kim admitted, “I’ve never felt anything like that before. At first, I was really scared, but with time, I started feeling better. Thankfully, the X-rays were negative, and I’m improving day by day.”
Despite the scare, Kim’s determination to return to the game was palpable as he tried to assure the team’s athletic trainer of his readiness to continue playing. While he’s currently day-to-day with some swelling in his wrist, Kim’s positive attitude signals a promising recovery ahead.
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s Milestone Moment
Aside from Kim’s injury, Sunday’s game witnessed a historic moment for Fernando Tatis Jr. Sporting pink cleats in tribute to Mother’s Day, Tatis smashed his eighth homer of the season. The impressive 442-foot blast not only showcased Tatis’ prowess but also marked his 114th career home run, surpassing his father’s tally in fewer games.
“It’s a special day for my family,” Tatis shared, acknowledging his parents’ influence on his journey. “My dad has been my rock throughout, and I’m grateful for his guidance.”
While Tatis played down the significance of overtaking his father’s home run count, the achievement undoubtedly holds personal significance for the rising star.
Record Crowds Gather
Beyond the action on the field, the Padres are making headlines with their record-breaking attendance figures. The weekend clash against the Dodgers drew massive crowds to Petco Park, with a total of 133,970 fans, setting a new three-game attendance record.
The surge in attendance reflects the Padres’ growing popularity and the buzz surrounding the team this season. Despite facing tough opponents like the Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani, the Padres consistently draw sellout crowds, cementing their status as a top attraction in Major League Baseball.
CEO Erik Greupner expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Padres fans, attributing it to the team’s success.
Notable Performances
In addition to the headline events, several standout performances unfolded during the game. Xander Bogaerts ended his homer drought with a powerful fifth-inning blast, while Robert Suarez extended his impressive scoreless streak on the mound.
Meanwhile, Shohei Ohtani’s absence from the Dodgers’ lineup due to back tightness added an extra layer of intrigue to the weekend series, highlighting the significance of each matchup in the fiercely competitive NL West division.
Overall, the Padres’ recent series against the Dodgers was a mix of thrilling action and memorable milestones, solidifying their position as a team to watch in the 2024 season.