An MLB umpire left his microphone on after making a controversial call, allowing TV viewers to clearly hear Mets manager Carlos Mendoza screaming at him.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Mets first baseman Pete Alonso attempted to tag up at third base and score the game-tying run on a sacrifice fly. After catching the second out, Cubs left fielder Ian Happ threw the ball to the cut-off man who then threw to home plate to get Alonso out for the double play. The ball just beat Alonso by a split-second and he was tagged out to give the Cubs the win.
Alonso, however, immediately stood and up and insisted the catcher blocked him from sliding into home plate.
After review, there is no blocking on the final play of the game, the call stands, and Pete Alonso is out. pic.twitter.com/qt2NM14e4y
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 2, 2024
MLB rules state that a catcher cannot block the plate until he has the ball. While waiting to receive the ball, they must give the baserunner a clear path. Alonso argued that catcher Miguel Amaya was blocking before he had the ball.
When the umpires reviewed the ball, they did not view it as obstruction and the call was upheld to officially end the game. As soon as the umpire Chad Fairchild announced the call to the crowd, Mendoza came over to give him an earful while his microphone was still hot.
“That’s not legal, though!” Mendoza said.
Fairchild explained that he’s “not in replay” and was simply telling Mendoza was the replay center told him.
“The rule change [is] you cannot stand on home plate without the baseball!” Mendoza fired back.
“I’m not arguing with you, Carlos,” Fairchild said, “but I’m saying I don’t see that. Take that up with the office.”
Mendoza was incensed.
“That’s bullshit, man!” he said.
Watch above via SNY
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