MLB umpires are not perfect.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza was reminded of that in humorous fashion by umpire Chad Whitson.
During the ninth inning of Thursday afternoon’s Mets win over the Nationals, the game was getting close as closer Edwin Diaz initially struggled to get Washington hitters out, which included issuing a walk to first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to load the bases with nobody out.
Mendoza did not like the final ball call and decided to say something to Whitson.
While viewers could not hear what Mendoza said, Whiston’s words were picked up by SNY’s microphones.
“I can’t make ‘em up!” Whiston shouted. “I’m not a magician!”
Whiston might have been right, as the pitch did look a little below the strike zone.
Even after a short hiccup, Diaz was able to shut down the Nationals and complete the series sweep in a 4-3 victory.
According to the Umpire Scorecards account on X, Whitson might have unintentionally called his game in favor of the Mets.
The report card said his “overall favor” gave the Mets 1.29 runs.
While magic cannot make balls into strikes, there might still be some magical energy in the Mets’ clubhouse.
The team is on a roll, having won six straight games heading into Friday’s game against the Rays.
During this run, the Mets have had a complete game shutout thrown by David Peterson, an on-fire Brandon Nimmo, Juan Soto and Jeff McNeil, and some great defensive plays from Tyrone Taylor.
The red-hot Mets open a three-game series against the Rays on Friday night at Citi Field.