Multiple Missed Calls Spark Broadcast Meltdown
The New York Mets may have had some unexpected help in their 6–3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. During a pivotal at-bat in the eighth inning. Angels batter Luis Rengifo stepped to the plate with two runners on, two outs, and a chance to tie the game. Instead, home plate umpire Erich Bacchus delivered a string of calls so questionable that the Angels’ broadcast crew lost it live on air.
The first pitch, a slider from Edwin Díaz, missed the plate by at least an inch. But was still called a strike. Color analyst Mark Gubicza groaned, “Aw, that is so far off the plate.”
Rengifo then worked a 3-1 count and appeared to draw a walk. But Bacchus again rang up a pitch clearly outside. After the final pitch, again off the plate. Bacchus called strike three, ending the threat and enraging both Angels announcers.
“That’s ball… Oh, he called that a strike?! That’s ridiculous!” exclaimed play-by-play man Wayne Randazzo.
To make matters worse, Angels manager Ray Montgomery was ejected after arguing the calls, and offensive coordinator Tim Laker was tossed a half-inning later for continuing to protest.
Despite the meltdown, the Mets completed the sweep, winning all three games in the series. But fans and broadcasters, are left wondering whether the Angels were battling two opponents that night: the Mets and the strike zone.
Read More: MLB Ump Gets Slammed by Mariners Announcer After Blown Strike Call
