Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander David Price believes the evolving rivalry with the San Diego Padres reached a new level after a benches-clearing incident during Friday's game.
"All rivalries in baseball are really good, but once you get that first benches-clearing (moment), that's when it kind of goes to that next level," Price said following L.A.'s 11-6 win, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com. "I'm sure we'll be ready to play (Saturday) and so will they. I think we have (Clayton Kershaw) going, so, we'll be ready."
Things got heated between the two clubs in extra innings after Dodgers reliever Dennis Santana hit Jorge Mateo, which prompted the two to exchange words while Mateo headed to first base.
Jorge Mateo gets hit... and the benches have cleared in San Diego.#HungryForMore pic.twitter.com/IuPf48DO0h
— Bally Sports San Diego (@BallySportsSD) April 17, 2021
The game marked the first time the NL West rivals played since L.A. knocked San Diego out of the playoffs during last season's National League Division Series.
"It was like a playoff game," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "The intensity was there. I can look up and down my lineup card and everybody contributed. ... I'm just spent emotionally. Proud of everybody."
The two clubs will meet 18 more times this season, including Saturday and Sunday to conclude a three-game series.
