New York Mets relief pitcher Jefry Yan celebrated a strikeout prematurely during his Citi Field debut on Saturday, an occurrence that drew commentary from SNY broadcast announcer Gary Cohen.
In the top of the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals, Yan faced Nasim Nuñez with an 0-2 count and two outs. Believing he had secured the third out with a fastball on the outside corner, Yan launched into his signature acrobatic celebration. However, the home plate umpire did not signal strike three, ruling the pitch a ball. Yan, already airborne, landed and signaled for an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) review of the pitch.
"Now, that was funny," Cohen remarked on the broadcast.
Despite the brief anticlimax, Yan retired Nuñez two pitches later with a slider, officially ending the inning. This strikeout secured Yan his first career MLB win after pitching 1.2 scoreless innings. The Mets went on to win the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with a walk-off single by Francisco Lindor, after trailing by one run.
Yan, a 29-year-old rookie, has gained attention for his unique celebration since his call-up from the minors. Saturday marked his first appearance at Citi Field in front of the home crowd.
"I felt really welcome today," Yan said through a translator regarding his Citi Field debut. He has recorded three strikeouts in his outing, contributing to a 1.80 ERA in his early major league appearances.