Jeffrey Yang might have jumped the gun a bit too soon.
During the bottom of the ninth inning in a tight 5-4 victory over the Nationals at Citi Field on Saturday, the Mets relief pitcher broke out his signature jump celebration. It was all set for what looked like a strikeout, but then things took an unexpected turn.
The pitch was called a ball, and Yang, realizing his error, decided to contest the call.
After a review, the original decision was upheld.
“That was funny,” commented Mets play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen.
However, it was Yang’s persistence that would pay off.
Just two pitches later, he struck out Nasim Nuñez with a slider to conclude the inning.
This time, Yang added a bit more flair to his jump celebration.
“Now Yang can celebrate,” said Cohen, noting the change in the atmosphere.
The Mets clawed back from a one-run deficit in the ninth, with Francisco Lindor providing the walk-off hit, marking their eighth win in eleven games. Yang emerged as the winning pitcher.
Strangely enough, the Mets have been finding success after trading away key players at the deadline. This has opened up space for Yang, who, despite being a 29-year-old rookie, had allowed just one run in his first five appearances.
His initial celebration, which involved an enthusiastic jump and landing, quickly went viral.
“I plan to enjoy the game my way,” Yang remarked through an interpreter after his debut, which was received with boos from Guardians fans in Cleveland.
But the atmosphere was different at Citi Field, where Mets fans welcomed him warmly.
“I felt really welcomed today,” he said, reflecting on the fans’ response.
He ended up pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out three batters.
And yes, there were four celebrations, including the one that came a bit too early.
