New Yorkers have been known to be some of the most ruthless and cut-throat kind of people. Professional athletes in New York are not shy of that group and Met’s pitcher, Noah Syndergaard proved that with his opening pitch in last night’s match-up. The two teams traveled from Kansas City to Citi Field in Queens for Game 3 of the World Series, when things went left (or right) really fast.
The Mets were down 2-0 in the series going into Game 3 in New York. This game was crucial for the Mets’ status in the series, as baseball leads are much harder to takeover.
Starting pitcher, Noah Syndergaard must have sensed some shade when the Royals defeated the mets 7-1 in KC just two days ago, and decided to handle it his own way.
Let me set the scene: Gorgeous, clear night at Citi Field and Mets fans are AMPED on a Friday night. Syndergaard takes his position at the mound when the lead off hitter, Alcides Escobar stepped into the box. Syndergaard started his powerful windup and released the ball.
Sounds like a regular play in a baseball game. Not exactly. The ball was thrown at 99 mph and nearly took Escobar’s head with it. Escobar ducked and dropped to the floor nodding his head as he had clearly gotten the message.
The Royals players were fired up and let it be known that they did not approve of the act. In a post-game interview, on of the KC team members called Syndergaard weak and unprofessional.
When asked about the pitch, Syndergaard simply said,
“If they have a problem with me throwing inside,” Syndergaard said, “then they can meet me 60-feet, six-inches away. I’ve got no problem with that.”
He also admitted that the pitch was done on purpose as a way to send a message to the Royals, who taunted the Mets after the KC landslide victory in Game 2.
“I mean, my first words I said to (catcher) Travis (d’Arnaud) when we walked in the clubhouse today is, ‘How do you feel about high and tight for the first pitch and then a curveball for the second one?'”
One can say that throwing inside and throwing at a batter’s head are two completely different things, and they wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. So far, the MLB has not issued any comment or disciplinary action toward Syndergaard or the Mets.
With intensity levels at their highest, its going to be a heated match to see if the Mets will tie the series, 2-2. Baseball fans will be in for an interesting ride.
The Mets will take on the Royals in Game 4 at Citi Field, tonight at 8!
