If there was an award for the most unusual nickname, Atlanta Braves pitcher Tyler Matzek would win by a landslide. The 31-year-old, who produced a heroic performance in Game 6 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers, made a kind gesture with a comical twist.
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He gave a baseball to a fan with his autograph on it. While the gesture spoke volumes about his personality, he mentioned his nickname under his autograph which gave the fan a hilarious moment to enjoy.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Tyler Matzek signs baseball with hilarious nickname
Matzek came on as a relief pitcher during Game 1 of the World Series. Although A. J. Minter replaced the injured Charlie Morton in the third inning, Matzek played his part later in the game. The 31-year-old conceded just three hits, one of which led to a run. He also recorded two strikeouts on Tuesday night at the Minute Maid Park.
Although he didn’t feature in Game 2, Matzek made an impression by giving a baseball with his autograph to a fan. Along with his signature, the 31-year-old wrote “Nut****” under it. While it looked hilarious at first sight, it’s actually a nickname the Braves gave him for his ability to produce outs under immense pressure.
Braves reliever Tyler Matzek writes "Nutsack" under his autograph
That's the nickname his teammates gave him because he gets big outs in tough spots
(via @notchiefkeev29) pic.twitter.com/hUJXWFBlk1
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) October 27, 2021
His biggest performance under pressure in this year’s postseason came in Game 6 of the NLCS against the Dodgers. Although the reigning World Series champions occupied two bases without conceding an out, they failed to score a single run off Matzek in the top of the seventh inning.
The 31-year-old scored three consecutive strikeouts to dismiss Albert Pujols, Steven Souza Jr. and Mookie Betts. This kept the Braves’ 4-2 lead intact, which they maintained to win the NL Pennant and assure a new World Series champion will be crowned this year.
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The Braves head back home for the next three games in the World Series
With the next three games in Truist Park, the Braves will look to take full advantage of playing at home. However, the Astros showed their might in Game 2, which the Braves need to be wary of.
Game 3 will take place on Friday, with the winner getting a crucial 2-1 lead in the series. Can the Braves produce a stunning upset in front of their fans? Or will the Astros put on another display of dominance?
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