Karma is like a boomerang; what you throw out will always come back to you. If San Diego Padres slugger Fernando Tatis Jr. didn't know that already, he's surely learned it the hard way after his team's elimination from the 2024 MLB playoffs with a National League Division Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In Game 3 of the NLDS, Tatis launched a two-run homer into the left field seats at Petco Park to put the Padres up 6-1. The epitome of a sore winner, he stood at the plate and watched the ball sail over the wall before beginning his arrogantly slow trot around the bases, adding more kindling to a drama-filled series that had already seen tensions flare between Padres second baseman Manny Machado and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers' late comeback effort fell just short, and they would end up losing Game 3 by a final score of 6-5.
The series went the distance, with the Dodgers ultimately winning in five games and punching their ticket to the NLCS. But the manner in which Los Angeles won the series against their NL West Division rivals made it all the more satisfying.
Padres never scoring again after Fernando Tatis Jr.'s obnoxious showboating was perfect Dodgers ending
Tatis got what he deserved after his ill-advised display of arrogance. Not only did his homer score the Padres' final two runs of Game 3; it scored their final two runs of the entire series. Believe it or not,San Diego would not score another run over their next 24 innings against the Dodgers, following their Game 3 victory with shutout losses in Game 4 (8-0) and Game 5 (2-0).
Now, the Dodgers will get a chance face the New York Mets in the NLCS with a trip to the World Series on the line. The Padres, meanwhile, will be watching the games from home, and Tatis will have nearly five long months to reflect on his – and his team's – postseason failures.
Better luck next year, Padres. Maybe by then, your star players will have learned not to start partying before the series is over.
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