Phillie Phanatic forces FS1 to make quick decision before NLCS Game 3

The San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies were in the final moments before Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night when the Phillie Phanatic made its presence felt on national television.

Another game, another viral moment for the Phillie Phanatic, this time before NLCS Game 3

Long known as a mascot that can get under the skin of the competition (remember the famed encounters with Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda?), the Phillie Phanatic took the opportunity to poke some fun at FS1 baseball reporter Ken Rosenthal just before first pitch of Game 3 in Philadelphia on Friday night.

While Rosenthal stayed as the consummate professional, it’s easy to see that the Phillie Phanatic interview bomb was very unexpected (especially with the Phanatic dropping to its knees to mirror Rosenthal’s height and mimic his reporting style). Rosenthal even takes a step forward trying to get away from the mascot, but the Phanatic didn’t miss a beat, moving right with Rosenthal before FS1 producers moved away to show the two managers.

Friday’s game was the first NLCS matchup in Philadelphia since 2010, so there was plenty of excitement in the stadium leading up to the contest. Kyle Schwarber kept that excitement going at a fever pitch by launching a leadoff home run to give the Phillies a quick 1-0 lead before the Padres would answer back by manufacturing a run in the fourth.

The Phillie Phanatic reminded baseball fans of its presence before NLCS Game 3, giving a national audience a chuckle and a national reporter an awkward opening segment he wasn’t expecting.