The Twins fans at Target Field for Game 3 Tuesday were hoisted by their own petard, with Houston Astros’ starter Cristian Javier saying their ironic pitch clock countdown actually helped him as his team romped to a 9-1 victory.
The Astros pitcher was irritating Twins fans with his slow approach at the plate, leaving it to the last second to wind up before the pitch clock expired, with many in the crowd believing the home plate umpire should be calling a violation.
In response, the crowd began to count down the pitch clock in an effort to disrupt Javier’s momentum and hurry him along. It was a nice idea, but it seems to have had a different impact.
Speaking after the game, Javier told Astros.com beat reporter Brian McTaggert: “I did notice it and when I did I used it in my favor. At that point I stopped paying attention to the clock because they were counting and just paid attention to the catcher.”
Twins fans counting down the pitch clock at the top of their lungs to distract Astros pitcher Cristian Javier
They are bringing the energy for their first home game of the ALDS
🎥 @MLBONFOX
pic.twitter.com/wnbqscHYfb— SportSociety (@SportSocietyUSA) October 10, 2023
Javier left the game after 5 innings in which he gave up no runs, just one hit and five walks, striking out a ridiculous nine Twins in the process.
The Twins’ Joe Ryan will go up against the Astros’ Jose Urquidy in Game 4 on Wednesday.
Maybe tonight, Twins fans should count the wrong numbers to make the pitcher think he has more time than he actually does.
