Padres Stars Tatis, Machado Try to Save Fans During Nationals Game Gunfire

Superstar Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado are being hailed for their heroes after shootings forced the National Stadium to lock its doors and left some fans searching for a safe place to hide.

Video inside the game shows Tatis and Machado getting out of the dugout at the 3rd facility and running to open the fence into the stands. As we reported, someone fire at least 7 shots Saturday night just outside the stadium, in the sixth inning.

Footage could be heard on the broadcast as the teams were making their way to their seats, and fans were immediately asked to shelter in place. Some fans at pitch level were exposed and scrambling for somewhere to hide, and that’s where the players ducked in to help.

Both players ran from the hatch cover of their dugout, and unlocked the gate from the stands to the pitch – scaring the fans away. A number of spectators ran quickly, some carrying children, from the yard into the protected dugout.

Police said a total of 3 people were injured in the shooting … including a woman who was participating in the game. Although shots were fired outside the stadium, police say at least one bullet was fired and hit the audience.