Sean Manaea paid tribute to his late aunt during an impressive performance in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Phillies.
Mets left-handed player revealed After the 7-2 victory, the kiss in the sky was said to be in memory of his aunt, who passed away on Tuesday morning.
“It was for my aunt,” he said. “I got the call early this morning that she had passed away. That game was meant for her.”
Manaea left the game in the top of the eighth inning after being hit by Edmundo Sosa on an infield hit in his first at-bat of the frame.
After Manaea was ejected from the game, he walked toward the Mets' dugout to cheers from the Citi Field crowd and tipped his hat to them.
He then looked up at the sky and blew a kiss before continuing toward the dugout.
Manaea appeared to do something similar when he struck out Austin Hayes to end the top of the seventh inning.
FS1 camera captured him He put his hand and glove over his mouth and kissed him upwards as he walked off the field.
Manaea pitched seven innings, giving up just one run on three hits and striking out six, helping the Mets get one win away from advancing to the NLCS.
“It's a really big and wonderful honor.” Manaea said on Fox after the game.. “Their fans have been really great all year. To pitch like that against the Phillies is an unbelievable experience.”
Manaea then began screaming at families back home who were still processing the death of a loved one.
“To everyone back home, I love you so much,” he continued. “I know things are tough, but we will get through this. I love you guys.”
Game 4 will be played Wednesday at Citi Field.
