Saturday night’s game in Washington between the Nationals and Padres was suspended after a shooting took place outside the stadium.
The game was halted in the middle of the sixth inning. It will resume at 1:05 p.m. ET Sunday, followed by the regularly scheduled game.
Reporters covering the game tweeted that they heard what sounded like gunshots before the stoppage. Fans moved quickly from their field-level seats toward stadium exits. Other fans took cover in the stands.
Field microphones for MASN’s telecast picked up audio of what sounded like shots.
The stadium public address announcer told the sellout crowd that there was an incident outside and to remain in the park. The Nationals later announced the shooting took place outside the third-base gate at the stadium.
A shooting has been reported outside of the Third Base Gate at Nationals Park.
Fans are encouraged to exit the ballpark via the CF and RF gates at this time.
We’re working with law enforcement to provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 18, 2021
Metropolitan Police in D.C. tweeted that officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 1500 block of South Capitol Street SW, outside the stadium. Two people were shot and two other people “associated” with the shooting walked into area hospitals with gunshot wounds, police said.
A video montage of the chaotic early moments:
Frightened Nationals fans took cover at the report of what *sounded like* shots at Nats ballpark. But staff are telling us the incident was outside the stadium, and they’re keeping everyone inside. People hid behind bar, toppled tables to hide. pic.twitter.com/bCAP2V3qyu
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) July 18, 2021
Padres players, including Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado, ushered fans out of the stands and into the dugout and clubhouse for safety.
Here at Nats Park as fans are making their way out of the stadium.
Talked to a fan who said the spectators in section 112-113 ducked down when they heard gunshots and everyone followed suit. Tatis and Machado opened the gate to the field and took fans to the dugout. pic.twitter.com/HM70l0tgDQ
— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) July 18, 2021