Pitch 10 of the at-bat appeared slightly below the zone, and Alvarez singled and took a few steps toward first.

But home plate umpire Ramon De Jesus called for strike three, ending the frame and ending a bases-loaded chance for Tyrone Taylor.

Mendoza, who certainly saw the first offensive shot coming off the plate as well, barked from the dugout and was ejected for the second time this season.

He then ran onto the field and yelled at De Jesus for several moments before leaving the game in what had been a terrible game for the Mets, who were down 5-2 at the time.

In a crucial play during the Wild Card Chase, Sean Manaea allowed a first-inning grand slam to Mets hitter Rhys Hoskins.

Also discouraging was a throwing error by Francisco Lindor, who was trying to play through his struggling game after missing eight straight games.