Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor went Russell Westbrook yesterday ... hitting the "rock the baby" celebration after launching a home run off Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole.
Cleveland had been trailing NY, 3-1, in Game 4 of the American League Division Series (but leading the series, 2-1) ... when Naylor cut into the Yankees' lead, turning around a 98 MPH fastball from Cole.
As Naylor was rounding first base, the feisty Guardians slugger, who has a reputation for stirring the pot, began "rocking the baby" as he rounded the bases.
In the clip, it appears Naylor is mouthing, "He's my little f****** son," as he's approaching third base -- presumably referring to Cole, who he had just taken deep to right-center.
Josh Naylor goes deep off Gerrit Cole and rocks the baby while rounding the bases 😅pic.twitter.com/kGDm9sV4HG
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 17, 2022
Cole -- who's allowed at least one home run in 10 consecutive starts, according to the broadcast -- spoke about Naylor's celebration after the game, admitting it was funny.
"Yeah, whatever. It's cute," said Cole, a five-time All-Star. "I didn't see it in the moment. It wouldn't have bothered in the moment, and it just is kind of funny."
Gerrit Cole was asked about Josh Naylor's celebration:
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) October 17, 2022
"Yeah, whatever. It's cute... I didn't see it in the moment. It wouldn't have bothered in the moment and it just is kind of funny." pic.twitter.com/JQy9DfgJk9
Cole -- who's in his third season with the Yankees -- would get the last laugh ... as he led NY to a 4-2 victory over the Guardians at Progressive Field, forcing a Game 5 on Monday.
As the series shifts back to the Bronx for a winner-take-all game, both sides will have extra motivation when they hit the diamond.