WATCH: Jack Flaherty's mom Eileen melts hearts as she proudly cheers from stands while son takes the mound at Dodgers-Yankees World Series Game 1
Jack Flaherty's mother, Eileen, was pumped seeing the pitcher grace the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series on Friday. Flaherty took on the New York Yankees in Game 1 at Dodger Stadium.
After Flaherty pitched his first strikeout of the game, retiring Yankees captain Aaron Judge, his mother jumped out of her seat to show her enthusiasm and encourage the pitcher.
Jack Flaherty had a nice game going on until the sixth inning when Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run go-ahead home run, which gave the Yankees a 2-1 lead. Immediately after, Dodgers manager Dave Robert pulled the plug and replaced him with Anthony Banda on the mound.
Flaherty pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out six times. Friday's game was a bounce-back performance for the pitcher since he gave up eight earned runs in just three innings against the New York Mets in the ALCS.
Flaherty, who was acquired by the Dodgers at the trade deadline, grew up in Burbank, California, with Eileen, who adopted him when he was just three weeks old. Flaherty has previously said he's happy that he was able to finally represent his hometown in the MLB.
Jack Flaherty's mother Eileen shares heartfelt message for son's 29th birthday
Jack Flaherty delivered a splendid performance in Game 1 of the NLCS, pitching seven shutout innings. Just two days later, he would celebrate his 29th birthday, and his already proud mother shares a heartfelt message with throwback photos of Flaherty.
"Happy Birthday @jflare 🎂🎉🩷," she wrote. "29 years of togetherness filled with happiness, laughter, books, academia, friendships, camp, travel, brownies, basketball, football and baseball! We adore you to the moon and beyond 🚀 Have a fabulous day💕 GO @dodgers 💙 Always with love ❤️ Mama Flare"
Also before that NLCS Game 1, Eileen posted throwback photos.
“20 years later … this kid had his moment @Dodgers Stadium in the NLCS Game 1,” she posted. “We are so thankful for the joyful hugs, beaming smiles and overwhelming support. Let’s GO Blue.”
The Dodgers would go on to win World Series Game 1 against the Yankees 6-3, thanks to Freddie Freeman's clutch grand slam in extra innings. Flaherty could pitch in potential Game 5.