The Phillies analyst was critical of Alec Bohm’s behavior during the game on Monday night.
Ricky Bottalico, known for his straightforward commentary, spotlighted a parabolic microphone in the outfield, causing a lengthy 19-minute delay in the Mets’ 13-3 victory.
“Let’s discuss Alec Bohm at third base,” Bottalico stated on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s post-game show. “He had a solid defensive outing, but honestly, the delay over something that’s been in place since at least 2017 really bothered me. We checked.”
NBC Philadelphia host Michael Barkan remarked, “A parabolic microphone.”
“But, you know, it doesn’t really matter,” Bottalico responded.
The game, between the National League East rivals, took a bizarre turn after Bohm hit into a double play in the fifth inning of a 3-3 tied game.
Bohm noticed the glare reflecting from the microphone in the outfield during the replay. It was clear that this glare affected him, aligning as he was with the pitcher’s arm motion.
“There was a microphone positioned in center field. Someone must have adjusted it, facing home plate, and that glare was coming from the lefty’s arm slot. The ball shot out of that spot immediately,” he explained. “They really needed to move it.”
SNY analyst Gary Cohen was equally perplexed by the prolonged delay and mentioned it could have lasted around 10 minutes. “This is one of the most ridiculous delays I’ve ever witnessed,” Cohen remarked.
Once the staff from Citi Field managed the microphone issue, the game resumed, but things quickly turned downhill for the Phillies.
The Mets capitalized with Mark Vientos’ RBI double in the fifth and ended up scoring 10 more runs, clinching the first game of this three-game series.
Despite this, the Phillies still maintain a six-game lead in the division, although they’ve now lost their last eight matchups in Flushing, including all four this season.
The Mets are set to start struggling lefty Sean Manaea on Tuesday night against fellow left-hander Jesús Luzardo.
