On Tuesday night, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo had a heated exchange with umpire Willie Trainer during a game against the New York Mets. The tensions flared after Mets player Juan Soto received a timeout, which Luzardo didn’t take well. It seemed the frustration was palpable right from the start.
As the game progressed, Phillies manager Rob Thomson decided to pull Luzardo during the fifth inning while Philadelphia was ahead 2-1 and the Mets were looking to capitalize. When he left the mound, Luzardo reportedly directed some choice words at Trainer, yelling, “Wake up! This is not a minor league!” His outburst led to him being ejected shortly after.
Luzardo’s performance included four innings pitched, in which he gave up four runs on five hits and hit five batters. The Mets took the lead with a significant contribution from Pete Alonso. However, Phillies outfielder Harrison Bader hit a two-run homer off Mets reliever Ryan Helsley, tying the game. The crowd reacted strongly, booing Helsley as he left the game.
In a thrilling conclusion, New York outfielder Brandon Nimmo stepped up in the ninth inning to seal a 6-5 victory for the Mets.
This win improved the Mets’ record to 71-61, placing them well within striking distance in the National League East, while the Phillies fell to 76-65.
