In a tense fourth inning on Saturday, Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza erupted in frustration, earning his first ejection of the season during New York’s 9–2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park .
Mendoza, visibly incensed, stormed out of the dugout to confront home plate umpire Roberto Ortiz after a 3–0 pitch to Mark Vientos was controversially called a strike. The argument escalated when another borderline pitch during Adam Frazier’s at-bat drew further dispute—prompting Mendoza to issue a heated defense of his players.
“We had one of the best hitters in the league coming up with two on and that completely changed the whole inning there,” Mendoza explained after the game. “I just thought it was time for me to protect the players as well.”
New York’s dismal performance worsened after the ejection. The game featured a 1-hour, 29-minute rain delay, and starter Paul Blackburn was left in the game post-delay, allowing consecutive hits and three runs—putting the Mets in a hole they couldn’t climb out of.
Although the bullpen delivered six scoreless innings, closer Huascar Brazobán surrendered four runs in the eighth, sealing Pittsburgh’s dominant win. Offensively, the Mets went a dismal 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position, stranding 10 base runners.
The heavy loss caps a troubling stretch for New York, who has dropped 11 of their last 14 games. Tensions within the clubhouse escalated quickly, prompting a players-only meeting to address declining morale and performance .
With rookie Blade Tidwell struggling in relief and Sean Manaea’s minor-league rehab delayed by elbow issues, the Mets are expected to bring in reinforcements from Triple-A Syracuse ahead of Sunday’s series finale.
John Gibbons will manage in Mendoza’s absence. Meanwhile, Blade Tidwell remains slated for an upcoming start despite a 10.18 ERA over three outings. The team also continues to monitor Brooks Raley’s progress, who is expected to return post–All-Star break .