New York Mets left-hander Sean Manaea stepped on the mound this Tuesday with a heavy heart. It turns out his aunt passed away just hours before Game 3 of the NLDS. Despite receiving such heartbreaking news this Tuesday afternoon, Manaea was incredible for the Mets.
He only gave up one run in seven innings worth of work while striking out six batters. His ability to neutralize Philadelphia's lineup was the main reason New York won this pivotal Game 3. As Manaea was walking off the mound at Citi Field, the cameras for FS1 caught him blowing a kiss to the sky.
Reporters asked him about that gesture during his postgame press conference. That's when he revealed that his aunt passed away. Manaea honored his late aunt by pitching an absolute gem for the Mets.
"That was for my aunt. I just got a message that she passed away earlier this morning," Manaea said . "That game was for her.
" Sean Manaea reveals his aunt passed away this morning "That game was for her." ❤️ (via @SNYtv ) pic.twitter.
com/NkALihU28P Manaea hinted at his family dealing with a personal loss during his postgame interview with FOX. "Everyone back home I love you so much," Manaea said. "I know what’s going on is tough, but we’ll pull through.
I love you guys." The fact that Manaea was able to show up in this fashion is pretty incredible. Rob Tringali/Getty Images Mets fans have rallied together to show the Manaea family support at this time.
The Mets will try to close out their series with the Phillies on We.