Austin Adams Shines Against Former Team with Dramatic Display
On a brisk Tuesday night at Citi Field, the Oakland Athletics delivered a decisive blow to the New York Mets with a 9-4 victory, extending their winning streak to three games. Central to this triumph was right-handed reliever Austin Adams, who reminded his former team of his unyielding competitive spirit and remarkable talent.
Just a few months ago, on February 6, the Mets designated Adams for assignment, removing him from their 40-man roster. This move led to a critical change as Adams transitioned to the Oakland Athletics through a cash deal during spring training. Since then, he has solidified his role in Oakland’s bullpen, boasting an impressive 3.92 ERA with 53 strikeouts over 41 1/3 innings.
Returning to Citi Field brought a blend of redemption and intensity to Adams's performance. The right-hander faced a high-pressure situation in the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and no outs. Demonstrating his resolve, Adams escaped the peril unscathed, striking out Francisco Alvarez to end the inning.
More than just a formidable performance, Adams punctuated his achievement with a dramatic show of emotion. After fanning Alvarez, he imitated the Mets' "OMG" celebration gesture—a tribute typically reserved for the Mets' home run celebrations. The "OMG" celebration, originally inspired by Mets infielder Jose Iglesias's song "OMG," gained popularity when Iglesias performed it at Citi Field following a win on June 28.
Adams's celebration, however, did not sit well with the Mets. Responding to the incident, Mets closer Edwin Díaz remarked, "He crossed a line because that's something we do when we hit a homer or something. He (can) do it always, that's fine. But he can't get mad if we do something to him the next couple of days."
Speaking about the dramatic moment, Adams explained his actions to the New York Post. "Honestly, I looked up and was so surprised I got out of it. I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' And then it dawned on me, I was like, 'Oh my gosh.' So then I did it. I mean, that song is sick. Iglesias is a good dude. So hopefully no one is offended. Just having fun."
Adams candidly admitted that pitching on emotion sometimes gets the better of him. "I pitch on emotion. I maybe need to do a better job of not doing that. But at the end of the day, big time situation in a game. Got some big outs, got the team a win," he reflected. The context of his departure from the Mets undoubtedly added extra fuel to his performance. "You know, when you get DFAed you're told you're not good enough to play for a team anymore. You know it sucks, so yeah had a little extra juice today."
For the Athletics, the victory at Citi Field was significant, coming at a vital juncture of the season. The win marked their third consecutive victory, contrasting starkly with the Mets' current four-game losing streak. This loss pushed the Mets two games behind the third wild-card spot, intensifying their uphill battle for postseason contention.
As the season progresses, the tale of Austin Adams serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball—a sport where fortunes can change swiftly and dramatically. Adams's performance was not just about his skills as a player but also a testament to the emotional narratives that drive the game. With his redemption arc still unfolding, Adams remains a player to watch, both for his contributions on the mound and the fiery spirit he brings to every game.