Fernando Tatis Jr.'s mom Maria makes emotional plea to God for peace in the Middle East as Israel vs Iran conflict escalates
While San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. is committed to the team's push for a playoff spot in an intense National League West, his mother, Maria, made an emotional plea for the events outside the diamond.
Middle East countries Israel and Iran are involved in a simmering conflict after Israel launched surprise airstrikes, reportedly targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure on June 13.
Iran retaliated by launching missiles at Israel on Saturday, reportedly killing 10 civilians. Amid the escalating tensions, Tatis's mother, Maria, shared a message for the people suffering in both countries.
She wrote on Instagram (translated to English):
"To the peoples of Israel and Iran, With hearts filled with compassion and eyes set on heaven, we lift up a prayer for you, for your families, for your children and for the land you both call home.
"In the midst of pain, conflict, and deep wounds, we want to remind you that God's light never goes out, and that His love reaches even the most broken places in the world. Do not lose hope, that you do not miss comfort, don't lose faith that God is just, healer and reconciler."
She continued with a message of hope for the people suffering during the conflict, reciting Psalm 34:18:
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and saveth those who are crushed in spirit. We pray for peace, but not for a passing peace, but for the peace that passes all understanding, that only the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, can give. Israel, Iran: God sees them. God has not forgotten about you. He is bigger than any wall, stronger than any weapon, deeper than any wound.
"Let the day come when your children play without fear, that tears will be for joy, and that faith flourishes where there is pain today. They are not alone. Heaven embraces them. With love, faith and hope, we pray for you.
Fernando Tatis Jr.'s effort goes in vain as Padres drop series against Arizona
Fernando Tatis Jr. continued his hitting streak against the Diamondbacks on Saturday as he went 2-for-5 at the plate, driving in two runs with two RBIs. Despite coming back from 3-1 down to take a 7-3 lead, the Padres surrendered five runs in the bottom of the ninth to lose 8-7.
It was a second consecutive defeat in the series for Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres, dropping the series against the NL West rivals. They are 38-31 for the season, 2.0 games behind the San Francisco Giants and a game behind division leaders the Los Angeles Dodgers.