DENVER -- The New York Mets felt victimized by a disputed call for the second straight day against the Colorado Rockies, although their postgame protest was more tame on Sunday.
A half-inning after falling behind by a run, Juan Lagares produced a one-out pinch-hit double in the eighth. After an intentional walk to Yoenis Cespedes, Lucas Duda hit a cue-ball grounder to third base. Lagares successfully avoided a tag from Nolan Arenado, who settled for the out at first base.
Third-base ump Carlos Torres, who had a controversial call Saturday, this time motioned that Lagares was safe at third base. But second-base ump Rob Drake ruled that Lagares had left the baseline to avoid Arenado's tag and the Colorado Rockies were awarded an inning-ending double play instead of the Mets having two runners in scoring position and Neil Walker due up.
"I was really surprised," Lagares said. "The guy in front of me said safe. When I looked back, they said out. I have no idea what happened, but I never thought that was going to be an out. I just avoided the tag. What am I supposed to do -- hold him? I just tried to avoid the tag. I really was surprised. I think the play is clear. ... I don't know how that play can be an out."
On Saturday, Logan Verrett appeared to strike out No. 8 hitter Tony Wolters, but Torres behind the plate incorrectly ruled that Wolters had fouled off the pitch. With that at-bat prolonged, Wolters delivered a two-run double in what ultimately became a five-run frame.
Manager Terry Collins was ejected Saturday after arguing the ruling and exploded postgame, saying the call cost the Mets the game. On Sunday, Collins only briefly disputed the call on the field and was tame after the 4-3 loss.
"It's over," Collins said. "Let's go. Move on."
