Reds relief pitcher Pierce Johnson’s reaction to allowing an eighth-inning home run during Cincinnati’s 9-4 loss in the series finale against the Pirates in Pittsburgh wasn’t just one of typical dejection.
An animated Johnson, who is in his first season with the Reds, pointed toward first base and started shouting after Esmerlyn Valdez’s blast.
Valdez had a checked swing earlier in the at-bat. An appeal was made to first-base umpire Louie Krupa, who ruled that Valdez didn’t swing enough to call what would have been the third strike.
Jomboy’s breakdown via Twitter/X offered clarity as far as the target of Johnson’s ire:
“You f—ed that up!” Johnson shouted toward first base, per Jomboy. “That’s f—ing strike three! No, that’s f—ing strike three! You f—ing know it! F— you!”
In 27 appearances this season for the Reds, Johnson has posted a 4.50 ERA.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Pierce Johnson’s NSFW Reds-Pirates HR reaction gets Jomboy treatment
Reporting by Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dave Clark, Cincinnati Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
