The Mets couldn’t score a run against the opposing team’s ace during the MLB game

MLB fans were baffled by New York Mets star Pete Alonso for a late-game mistake against the Chicago Cubs Wednesday night.

The blunder also happened during a controversial ruling in the bottom of the 9th inning which saw the Mets lose to the Cubs 1-0.

New York Mets star Pete Alonso left MLB fans stunned during a game-ending double play against the Chicago CubsCredit: SNY

Alonso tried to tag up to tie the game, dove head-first at the plate, and was called out in stunning fashionCredit: SNY

In a crucial moment with one out and Mets base runners positioned on second and third in the bottom of the ninth inning, infielder Jeff McNeil connected with a flyball to left field.

Cubs outfielder Ian Happ secured the catch, marking the second out, as Alonso, positioned at third base, made a bold attempt to tag up and potentially tie the game.

However, the trajectory of the ball was altered by third baseman Nick Madrigal, who swiftly intercepted it and unleashed a precise throw to catcher Miguel Amaya.

Alonso, diving headfirst in a desperate bid to score, was ultimately caught out at home plate, sealing the game with a stunning double-play.

The replay clearly depicted Alonso’s hand hitting the dirt and momentarily popping up before making contact with home plate. Many speculated that the 29-year-old’s hand remained elevated due to the catcher’s cleat obstructing the plate.

Nevertheless, MLB fans were left scratching their heads over Alonso’s decision-making in the critical late-game situation.

“Why didn’t Pete put his hand on the ground?” one fan queried.

“This is why you slide feet first and not head first,” remarked another.

“Can we address how slow Alonso is and how in the world he didn’t touch the plate?” questioned a third.

Following the game-ending play, the Mets sought a review, arguing that Amaya had impeded Alonso’s path to the plate. However, the umpires ruled that the catcher’s positioning was within the rules, resulting in Alonso being called out.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza vented his frustration on live television, shouting, “That’s bull****!” in response to the non-obstruction call.

In the post-game press conference, Mendoza stated his intention to discuss the ruling with the league.

The Cubs’ 1-0 win gave them an impressive 18-12 for the seasonCredit: SNY
He also explained that his understanding of the rule, as informed from an email sent to all managers during the spring, bans catchers from setting up on the plate without possession of the ball.

But Mendoza acknowledged that the “game’s over.”

MLB teams can’t protest games because of misapplied rules.

Five key MLB rule changes in 2024

1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.

2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.

3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.

4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction by referees.

5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.

The Mets had just three hits in seven innings against Cubs ace Shota Imanaga.

New York was shut out for the third time this season.

They sit with a 15-15 record while Chicago has an impressive 19-12 record.