Mets manager Carlos Mendoza stands up for Juan Soto, ejected in the process vs Padres

SAN DIEGO — Carlos Mendoza took the fall so his superstar outfielder could stay in the game for the Mets.

In the top of the third inning, Juan Soto was incensed after a called strike three on a knuckle curve that nicked the corner from the Padres’ Dylan Cease. Mendoza came surging out of the dugout to get between Soto and home-plate umpire Emil Jimenez.

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Mendoza was ejected for the third time this season, while Soto was ushered away from the plate by Pete Alonso and the Mets coaches in the series opener at Petco Park.

Earlier in the at-bat before the strikeout, Soto voiced his displeasure on another knuckle curve that was called a strike that appeared outside the zone. It was the second strikeout of the game for Soto as the Mets led 1-0 in the top of the third inning.

Check back for more updates on Carlos Mendoza’s ejection in Monday.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Mets: Carlos Mendoza ejected after defending Juan Soto on strikeout