New York Mets outfielder Jesse Winker’s walk-off home run celebration against the Baltimore Orioles drew criticism from former MLB infielder Jeff Frye. According to Winker, the celebration was exaggerated while entering the bases after a hit.
Francisco Lindor and Mark Viento had two solo home runs, while JD Martinez drove in a run for the Mets at Citi Field on Wednesday. This was negated by Austin Slater’s two-run home run and Adley Rutschmann’s sacrifice fly, with the game remaining tied at 3-3 heading into the ninth.
The Mets then handed O’s closer Sernathony Dominguez his second loss in three games after gaining the upper hand in the final innings. Jesse Winker came in to pinch-hit for Harrison Bader to open the ninth. On a full count, he hit a 98 mph fastball to center field for a walk-off home run to win the game.
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Before rounding the bases, Winker celebrated ecstatically. Between home plate and first base, the recently acquired OF of the Washington Nationals pumped his fists in front of the dugout and threw his helmet onto the field in cheers.
This drew the ire of ex-Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox second baseman, Jeff Frye, who took to social media to respond to the celebration.
“Kids, this is not how you behave when you take a walk-off from HR. This is a [clown emoji] showing that MLB players who should know better unfortunately seem to do it on a regular basis. “I’m sorry your heroes have no class,” Frye wrote in a tweet on X/Twitter.
Jesse Winker’s handy contributions to the Mets’ depth
The Mets’ strategy at the MLB trade deadline was to re-strengthen the roster as they found themselves back in contention for a playoff spot. Winker’s trade has therefore been of enormous value. He has 15 hits in 52 at-bats and is batting .288, earning five RBIs so far. His walk-off explosion against the O’s was his first home run for the Mets and his 11th overall of the season.
The Mets (66-61) will need to continue the momentum after their series win against Baltimore. They are currently 1.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves (67-59) in the NL East standings, who also occupy the third spot in the NL Wild Card race.
Edited by Veer Badani
