Canadian prospect pitching perfect game got pulled with one out to go
Photo credit: https://www.milb.com
Remember the name Jonah Tong. The 21-year old from Markham, Ont, and seventh round pick by the New York Mets, just became a part of history in his most recent start for Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
It happened on Saturday, during the second game of a double-header against the Reading Fightin Phils, the Double-A affiliate for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Tong pitched 6.2 innings and struck out 13 of 20 batters he faced. He didn't allow a baserunner. He was pulled after 99 pitches with one out to go in the seventh inning. Reliever TJ Shook came in and got the final to preserve the win and the combined perfect game. It was the first perfecto in Rumble Ponies history.
In the minors, double-headers last seven innings.
Tong was fully aware of what was occurring on the mound.
I knew it... I (was) like, 'one more, please. "But I get it, bigger picture here. I'm glad (Shook) came in." - Jonah Tong on being pulled from the game
He attributed his success to a calm demeanour on the mound.
"Pretty calm, not going to lie to you. Didn't really think a whole lot. Thought the sky was nice and blue today, the jerseys are pretty cool, so that was pretty much it."
With the performance, Tong, who is ranked the number six overall prospect in the Mets organization, lowered his season ERA to 2.57. His 13 strikeouts vaulted him into first place in the Eastern League with 51; he also ranks third in average against and 12th in both ERA and WHIP.
Asked how he felt after the game, Tong's reply was simple:
"I'm going to dedicate that to my mom."
Wise words. Congratulations Jonah on being a part of history.
| POLL | ||
MAI 11 | 48 ANSWERS Canadian prospect pitching perfect game got pulled with one out to go Should Jonah Tong been allowed to stay and finish the game? | ||
| Yes | 38 | 79.2 % |
| No | 10 | 20.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
