Dodgers' absurd claims of Manny Machado's hostile act intensify Padres' will to win

By now, every single person in Southern California has heard of the "unsettling" deed perpetrated by Manny Machado during Game 2 of the NLDS, right? If not, here's a little refresher.

There was some jawing back and forth between Machado and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jack Flaherty at various points in Sunday's game at Dodger Stadium. During the sixth inning, Flaherty directed some explicatives toward the San Diego Padres' third baseman after striking him out.

The banter continued during the bottom half of the inning with Flaherty barking at Machado from the Dodgers' dugout. The animosity between these two ball clubs runs deep, so many assumed at the time that this was little more than a heated exchange between two fierce competitors. But as it turns out, it goes a little deeper than that.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts claims Manny Machado throwing ball toward dugout was "unsettling"

During a press conference on Monday, Roberts was asked about an incident involving Machado throwing a ball into the Dodgers dugout. The Dodgers skipper said that Machado's actions were "unsettling" and "there was intent behind it."

Roberts went on to say that he didn't even notice the ball at the time and had to see video in order to confirm the incident even occurred. Roberts continued to allow his mouth to run amok and called the incident bothersome and disrespectful. Curiously, the nationally-televised broadcast, at no time, ever mentioned this incident taking place.

So with Roberts lambasting Machado with this accusations, the search was on for video evidence of this incident actually occurring. Lo and behold, video of the perceived act of aggression on the part of Machado actually exists. However, it's much ado about nothing, and is sure to only fuel the Padres' fire heading into Game 3 at Petco Park.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts woefully exaggerates Manny Machado's "bothersome" actions

Video surfaced late on Monday evening, and yes, some of what Roberts described is accurate. Machado did have a baseball and threw it in the direction of the Dodgers' dugout. But that's about the extent of truth that one can attach to Roberts' account of the perceived action.

The ball bounces — at least once, if not twice, before careening off the protective barrier of the dugout. If that's what had Roberts all up in his feelings, perhaps the grounds crew at Petco Park needs to gather a blanket, baby bottle, and a teething ring for Roberts and place it in the dugout ahead of Game 3 because this is just childish behavior. Grow up, Dave.

Roberts is just stoking the fires of an already pugnacious series between two bitter rivals. There's no need to embellish the truth in order to spice up the conflict any further — Dodgers fans already did that by shamefully throwing objects onto the field during Game 2.

The Friar faithful didn't need any more reasons to pack the park on Tuesday, but Roberts' false accusations will have Petco Park ready to respond in full ahead of Game 3.

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