The hit by pitch has become so common—and dangerous—that twice last week benches cleared on hits by pitches that were unintentional. Even accidental plunkings are putting hitters in a fighting mood.
The Padres and Dodgers confronted each other Thursday after Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a 27-year-old pitcher making his major league debut in a 5–0 game. San Diego manager Mike Shildt touched off the bench-clearing episode when he stormed out of the dugout toward Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts.
