Funny camera angle makes it look like Joe West punched someone in the nose

Umpire Joe West gave a “punch to the nose” to Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Travis Jankowski during Friday’s game against the New York Mets.

First-place in the NL East was on the line on Friday, as the New York Mets visited the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series. The tone of the game was already tense for both fanbases, but it only increased upon seeing Joe West behind the plate.

Mets fans may have had a gripe with West’s strike zone, but at least he did not punch a player like he did to the Phillies! Well, he didn’t really.

During the game, Phillies outfielder Travis Jankowski struck out looking on a 92-mph two-seam fastball thrown by Mets starter Marcus Stroman. As West punched out Jankowski, a hilarious camera angle made it look as though the umpire had jabbed the outfielder in the nose. Of course, that was not the case. You can check the video out, via Rob Friedman on Twitter.

Joe West “punches out” Phillies outfielder Travis Jankowski in Friday’s game vs. Mets

That “POW!” edit was truly hilarious.

Entering Friday’s game, the Mets and Phillies were separated by half a game in the NL East standings. The Mets have been skidding since the trade deadline, while the Phillies were surging. The Mets have lost five of their last seven games, while the Phillies have won five of their last seven contests.

This is a pivotal series, so hopefully an umpire doesn’t actually punch a player in the nose.