Jackson Chourio’s hilarious praying mantis encounter steals show during Brewers-Dodgers NLCS Game 3

Jackson Chourio made a new friend at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday. 

The Milwaukee Brewers superstar had an unexpected visitor during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Los Angeles Dodgers when a praying mantis decided to make itself comfortable on the outfielder’s shoulder.

And unlike opposing pitchers throughout this postseason, this little guy wasn’t intimidated by Chourio.

Television cameras caught the hilarious encounter as Chourio noticed the green insect perched on his left shoulder and attempted to brush it away. The praying mantis wasn’t having it, quickly relocating to his right shoulder as the 22-year-old struggled to shake his new friend.

Chourio couldn’t stop smiling throughout the ordeal, providing one of the funniest moments of the postseason.

Perhaps the insect was simply looking for a better view of baseball’s hottest October attraction.

After all, Chourio wasted absolutely no time making his presence felt Wednesday, ambushing the first pitch he saw from Dodgers ace Blake Snell and launching an opposite-field home run to give Milwaukee an immediate 1-0 lead. It was Chourio’s sixth postseason homer and he hasn’t even reached his 23rd birthday yet. 

Apparently, even insects wanted a front-row seat.

Baseball has a strange history with praying mantises. Former Washington Nationals outfielder Victor Robles famously had one land on his cap during a game, creating another unforgettable insect cameo.

But Chourio’s visitor picked quite the stage.

The Brewers entered Wednesday holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven NLCS, looking to avenge last October’s four-game sweep at the hands of the Dodgers.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers returned home desperately needing a victory to keep their pursuit of a historic third consecutive World Series championship alive.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters