Mets' Mendoza Passes on Second Umpire Challenge
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza declined to challenge a controversial safe call at first base on Juan Soto during Sunday's 5-1 win over the Los Angeles Angels.
Soto grounded to Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel in the top of the third inning. Schanuel, unable to extract the ball from his glove webbing while attempting a double play, flipped the entire glove toward pitcher Jack Kochanowicz covering the bag. The umpire ruled Soto out on the close play, though the Mets bench argued Kochanowicz had bobbled the glove.
The decision echoed Mendoza's choice the previous night in a 4-3 loss to the Angels. In the bottom of the first, Mets right fielder Austin Slater relayed a throw from right-center to Bo Bichette at third base, who tagged Jorge Soler before an Angels run could score on Jo Adell's hit. Mendoza did not challenge the out call there either.
Mendoza explained after Saturday's game that the replay room had missed the call. "We called, and he missed it. [Replay analyst] Harrison [Friedland] is one of the best at his job," he said, adding the Mets had other chances they failed to capitalize on.
The Mets improved to 12-22 with Sunday's victory after a recent 12-game losing streak. The team entered the season with playoff expectations but has struggled to reach .500.
