Mike Shildt's NSFW explosion on Andy Pages will intensify Dodgers-Padres series

The Padres and Dodgers' two series against one another has been a two-week stretch that fans on both sides have circled on the calendar since the start of the season. Last week in San Diego, the Friars dropped two of three to their Los Angeles rival, drawing up some drama for the series this week in Hollywood. While the stars of the game were out to shine, and the Dodgers won the first game, 6-3, Padres manager once again added another flare to the contest against a nationally-celebrated team.

This game was already receiving a ton of hype thanks to Shohei Ohtani's return to the mound, although he tossed one forgettable inning to start off the night. It was Shildt who added to the drama in the bottom of the fourth inning. With the Dodgers leading, 3-2, Padres starter Dylan Cease plunked Andy Pages with a 98 MPH fastball than ran inside on his elbow - and Pages stared Cease down in the box, offering some choice words thereafter.

That altercation called for Shildt to shout at Pages - who is having a decent season at the plate for the Dodgers - but not one good enough to impress Shildt with his antics towards Cease.

It was pretty clear that Cease was not intending to hit Pages in that situation, especially considering there was a runner already on base. But it is kerfuffles like these that make a series against a division rival even better. Who knows, maybe this will spark some energy in the Padres to come back on Wednesday and pull off a win. Friars fans know they need one, as the Dodgers (44-29) now lead San Diego (39-32) by four games in the chase for first place in the NL West standings.

Randy Vasquez will toss for the Padres in Game 2 of the series. Hopefully he won't hit anyone to cause Shildt to throw some more curses towards a Dodger. Or do we want that to happen?