San Francisco Giants pitcher Yusmeiro Petit nearly threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history, but he gave up a hit on a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday night to lose his place in history.
Those who believe in superstitions — such as not mentioning a no-hitter or perfect game in progress — may have a scapegoat to blame for Petit losing the perfecto: the pitcher’s wife.
Petit’s wife was escorted by security towards the field at AT&T Park after her husband got the second out of the ninth inning. Of course they wanted Mrs. Petit to be close to the field to celebrate with her husband if he achieved the feat, but they may have rushed things. It was like a team bringing out the champagne bottles before the game ended.
Next thing you know, Eric Chavez delivers a pinch-hit single to right to break it all up, and Petit only ends up with a 1-hitter. Maybe Mrs. Petit has learned her lesson … if there ever is a next time.
Here’s another shot of her:
