“This is what a manager needs to do”; “That was a horrible call” - Mets fans praise Carlos Mendoza post-ejection over José Iglesias’ strike three call

Fans reacted as the New York Mets skipper Carlos Mendoza became the latest MLB manager to get ejected for arguing with the umpire over a called strike this season.

Mendoza received his marching orders for barking at home-plate umpire Jeremie Rehak after infielder José Iglesias was called out on strikes in the 7-6 win against the Colorado Rockies at Citi Field on Friday evening.

Mets fans shared their displeasure with the decision on social media. Nevertheless, they were also happy with the manner in which Mendoza sacrificed himself to protect his players.

The incident occurred when the Mets led 7-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning and José Iglesias was at the plate with one out.

On a 3-2 count, Rockies reliever Peter Lambert threw a curveball that went well above the virtual strike zone. Iglesias didn't swing at it and walked towards first base, but Jeremie Rehak deemed it to be a strike, and the batter was out.

While Iglesias stood perplexed, Mendoza remonstrated from the dugout and launched a quick tirade against the home-plate umpire. Rehak didn't take it kindly and immediately tossed him out.

With his fate sealed, Carlos Mendoza raced towards the umpire and let loose his fury, while the home crowd cheered wildly in support.

"THIS IS WHAT A MANAGER NEEDS TO DO! NEED TO KEEP THIS FIRE UP," a Mets fan exclaimed.

"Love this. Mets up 7-3 and still sticking up for the boys," said another.

"Love it! Mendoza gets his money's worth," said another Mets supporter.

Even neutrals agreed that it was a poor call from the umpire and that Carlos Mendoza was right to be unhappy about the decision.

"Had to do it. This guy has been horrendous behind the plate all night," expressed one fan.

"That was a horrible call," agreed another fan.

"I mean it was a horrendous strike call," was the opinion of another fan.

Although the Mets fans supported Carlos Mendoza when he was arguing with the umpire, the ejection nearly capitulated the team on the night.

The Rockies fought back straightaway and added three more runs in the eighth inning. But Mets closer Edwin Diaz shut their hitters out in the ninth and picked up another save.

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Carlos Mendoza shares perspective on his ejection

Carlos Mendoza was ejected for arguing with the home plate umpire on Friday. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

Postgame, Carlos Mendoa spoke to reporters about his dismissal. The Mets manager was in a much calmer mood as he explained that it wasn't just one pitch that had upset him.

“I thought they got a few calls (for strikes) that I thought were balls, especially up in the zone. That last one, I thought, was way out (of the zone)," Mendoza said.

“But look, I understand they have a hard job, and Jeremie is really good at his job. They’re human, I know they’re working really hard behind the plate. Just felt like I needed to express my frustrations there,” he added.

José Iglesias was the hero for the Mets on Friday with two solo home runs that helped the Mets take the series opener against the Rockies right before the All-Star break.