MILWAUKEE — Nothing went right for the Mets at the start of Friday’s game, including the fact that Carlos Mendoza wasn’t going to be around for the finish.
The Mets manager was ejected after three and a half innings at American Family Field for arguing balls and strikes after Francisco Alvarez struck out with two men on base.
Alvarez fought a long battle with Brewers righty Frankie Montas and had dropped four straight full-count pitches.
Pitch 10 in the at bat appeared a bit below the zone, and Alvarez laid off and took a few steps toward first.
But home plate umpire Ramon De Jesus called strike three, ending the frame and ending what would have been a bases-loaded opportunity for Tyrone Taylor.
Mendoza, who must have seen the first strike of the at bat also appear off the plate, barked from the dugout and was ejected for the second time this season.
He then ran out onto the field and yelled at De Jesus for a few moments before leaving in what had been a terrible game for the Mets, who were down 5-2 at the time.
In a pivotal game in the wild-card chase, Sean Manaea allowed a first-inning grand slam to Mets killer Rhys Hoskins.
Also disappointing was a throwing error by Francisco Lindor, who was trying to bounce back through a game after missing eight straight contests.