In a tense matchup between the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs, Wednesday night's game ended in controversy as first baseman Pete Alonso was called out at home plate, sealing the Cubs' slim 1-0 victory. The crucial play occurred when Alonso attempted to score the game-tying run on a Jeff McNeil fly out to left field, caught by Ian Happ, who then delivered the ball to relay man Nick Madrigal.

The call was subject to review but ultimately upheld by the umpires, who determined that Alonso had failed to touch the plate before being tagged out. Additionally, it was concluded that Cubs catcher Miguel Amaya had not violated the league's Home Plate Collision Rule. The play in question was closely examined, focusing on Amaya's positioning as he prepared to secure the throw.

According to the rule, unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, they cannot impede the runner's pathway to home plate. If the umpire deems that the catcher without possession obstructs the runner, the runner should be called safe. However, it is allowed if the catcher blocks the path while legitimately attempting to field the ball.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, in his first year at the helm, expressed his disagreement with the ruling, stating that a memo sent to all managers in the springtime indicated that catchers are prohibited from straddling the plate without possessing the ball. A comparison was made between a memo image and pictures of Amaya's left foot clearly touching the plate before he acquired the ball.

Nonetheless, the MLB Replay Center released a statement asserting that no violation of the Home Plate Collision Rule had taken place. The center determined that Amaya's initial setup was legal, and he moved into the runner's path in response to the throw's trajectory. Mets reporter Steve Gelbs later corroborated the league's stance, revealing that there had been a change in the rule's interpretation over the offseason.

While Alonso maintained that he believed he had managed to slide his hand in before being tagged, the call on the field held, and he was deemed out.

The controversial ending stirred debate among fans and baseball enthusiasts, with some questioning the consistency of umpire decisions and interpretations of the rulebook. The game showcased the ongoing challenges faced by umpires in making split-second, high-pressure judgments.

As the teams move forward, it remains to be seen how this contentious ruling will impact future decisions regarding home plate collisions and the enforcement of the rule. In the meantime, both the Mets and the Cubs will continue their respective campaigns, aiming for success in the remainder of the season.