Praying Mantis Becomes Unlikely Star of NLCS Game 3
An insect's unexpected visit to Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio provided a memorable moment during the playoff game.
A tiny, uninvited guest made a significant appearance during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A praying mantis landed on Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio’s shoulder on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, leading to a humorous scene captured by television cameras. The insect perched on Chourio’s left shoulder before moving to his right as the player attempted to dislodge it.
Chourio, who had a prominent role in the game's early moments, appeared to be amused by the encounter, smiling throughout the incident. The unexpected visitor provided one of the postseason's most talked-about moments.
The game itself saw Chourio make an immediate impact. On the very first pitch he faced from Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell, Chourio hit an opposite-field home run, giving the Brewers a 1-0 lead. This was Chourio's sixth career postseason home run, a notable achievement for a player not yet 23 years old.
This incident echoes a similar event in baseball history when former Washington Nationals outfielder Victor Robles had a praying mantis land on his cap during a game.
The Brewers entered Game 3 with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, while the Dodgers were seeking to avoid falling into a deeper deficit in their quest for a third consecutive World Series championship.