Watch Chris Sale and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s viral ‘tip of the cap’ moment before NLDS Game 3

Before the Cy Young winner and the reigning World Series MVP faced off, they displayed a sign of respect that went viral. The matchup took place in Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves. The game featured two top pitchers, with Atlanta's Chris Sale starting for the Braves and the Dodgers fielding Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

The Japanese pitcher secured his fifth consecutive postseason win, allowing only one run and one walk during his time on the mound. Sale, on the other hand, surrendered three runs in the fourth inning, leading to the Dodgers' victory.

Despite the Braves' efforts, they were unable to score more than five hits against Yamamoto and the Dodgers' bullpen, who secured the final innings win. Sale's performance could have been enough, but the Braves went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. However, the most memorable moment of the game occurred before it began.

Chris Sale tipped his cap to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and in return, the Japanese star reciprocated with a gesture of mutual respect. This gesture resonated with fans on social media, who praised the display of sportsmanship and respect between the two aces.

The interaction highlighted the best aspects of baseball culture, with fans expressing their admiration for the gesture on social media. One fan remarked, "This is the toughest thing I've seen in sports in a minute," while another said, "Baseball still gets the little things right." Moments like these tend to endure longer in people's memories than the outcome of the game.