Insider addresses controversial end to Mets-Cubs game

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) is tagged out at home to end the game by Chicago Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya (9) while trying to score on a fly ball by second baseman Jeff McNeil (not pictured) during the ninth inning at Citi Field.

MLB insider Andy Martino of SNY suggested that the New York Mets should’ve been awarded a game-tying run in the bottom of the ninth inning of what became Wednesday’s 1-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

As SNY’s Colin Martin explained, Mets second baseman Jeff McNeil hit a fly ball to left field that was caught for the frame’s second out but allowed first baseman Pete Alonso to tag up from third base. Alonso was called out on a bang-bang play at home plate, and the replay umpire in the league’s New York office upheld the call.

However, television replays showed that Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya seemed to illegally block home before Alonso slid:

Martino later shared that an MLB memo sent out to teams and coaches during spring training stated that a catcher having his “foot on the foul line or home plate” is not permitted and should result in an obstruction call.

Specifically, Tim Britton of The Athletic noted that the rule states: “Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score.” Nevertheless, the Cubs escaped with a 1-0 win, and Martino subsequently pointed out that teams can no longer protest the outcome of a game.

“After viewing all relevant angles, the Replay Official definitively determined that no violation of the Home Plate Collision Rule occurred,” MLB said in a statement released on Wednesday night. “The catcher’s initial setup was legal and he moved into the lane in reaction to the trajectory of the incoming throw. The call is confirmed, as it is not a violation. Additionally, the Replay Official could not definitively determine that the runner contacted home plate prior to catcher applying the tag. The call stands, and the runner is out.”

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza used some not-safe-for-work language to complain immediately after the call on the field was confirmed. He later addressed the matter with reporters.

“Their interpretation of the rule,” Mendoza said, “It’s one of those, they send out a memo in spring training, what’s legal and what’s illegal. And it’s clearly on that email, that memo that we got, that catchers are not allowed to have their foot in front of the plate, on top of the plate, they cannot straddle without possession of the baseball. It was very clearly that the guy had his left foot on top of the plate without the baseball. I think they got the wrong call.”

According to Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post, Mets catcher Omar Narvaez was asked after the defeat if he fully understands the blocking-the-plate rule.

“I guess not anymore,” Narvaez responded. “We’ve been practicing that since spring training and something not to do happened [Wednesday], and we didn’t get the call.”

The Mets and Cubs finish their series at Citi Field on Thursday afternoon.

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