Noah Syndergaard

Noah Syndergaard watches Syndergaard lose by a nose at Belmont

Published Nov. 15, 2016 1:41 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Barry Werner

Noah Syndergaard, the New York Mets' pitcher, would have rather been in Chicago for the National League Championship series on Saturday.

However, that was not meant to be as the Mets were ousted by the San Francisco Giant in a wild-card game on Wednesday.

That left a hole in the righthander's rotation and he filled it by spending a day at the races with a purpose.

Syndergaard, the hurler, was able to watch Syndergaard, the runner, at Belmont Park.

Syndergaard, the runner, entered the $500,000 Champagne Stakes undefeated in two races.

The 2-year-old was impressive enough in those victories to be sent off as the favorite.

While the horse was working, Syndergaard, the pitcher, was able to watch the races from the Belmont dining room with top trainer Todd Pletcher.

Syndergaard was sent off as the 9-5 favorite from post three.

He went straight to the lead and dueled with Big Gray Rocket.

He dispatched that foe as the field turned for home in the one-mile stake.

Practical Joke challenged the pair raced stride for stride to the wire.

It was too close to call, a photo finish.

And then the result was posted: Practical Joke first, Syndergaard second.

Another painful finish for the Syndergaards this week. The righty was brilliant in the wild-card game but came away with no-decision as Conor Gillaspie hit a three-run home run in the ninth inning to send the Giants to the NLCS.

share

Get more from Noah Syndergaard Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Noah Syndergaard

New York Mets