Strider argued the called third strike was 'right down the middle'
Mets lose to Astros; Can Juan Soto lead New York to the World Series? | Breakfast Ball
The New York Mets lost to the Houston Astros after Juan Soto struck out in a pivotal at-bat. Craig Carton, Danny Parkins, Greg Jennings and John Smoltz discuss Soto’s potential as a Met and if he can lead them to the World Series.
The New York Mets' struggles continued Tuesday night when they hosted their NL East division rivals.
New York lost its third straight as temperatures soared to a record high at Citi Field. It was 97 degrees at first pitch, and the Braves' 7-4 win over the Mets turned out to be the hottest game on record at the Mets' home ballpark.
Atlanta starter Spencer Strider pitched five innings, and he managed to strike out Juan Soto before he exited the game.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider pitches against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field in New York June 24, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Soto quickly expressed his displeasure after the home plate umpire called a third strike in the fifth inning.
METS' NEWEST PITCHER CAPTURES ATTENTION OF BASEBALL FANS
Strider tried to make it clear Soto had nothing to gripe about. As the Braves pitcher made his way to the dugout, he took a moment to inform Soto that the fastball he threw on a 3-2 count that appeared to land in the inside corner of the strike zone was "right down the middle."
New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) reacts after being called out on strikes by home plate umpire Adam Hamari during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field in New York June 24, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Strider repeated his argument three times.
Spencer Strider tells Juan Soto "it's right down the middle" after striking him out pic.twitter.com/WTUTNG0x5Y
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 25, 2025
Soto drew a pair of walks in his two plate appearances before the fifth-inning strikeout. He grounded out in the eighth inning.
Strider got the win Tuesday, improving to 3-5 on the season. After leading the National League in wins and receiving Cy Young Award votes in 2023, Strider appeared in just two games last season.
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider reacts after a two-run single by New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Citi Field in New York June 24, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
He injured the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow and underwent surgery last year. He missed the beginning of the 2025 campaign but has made eight starts since returning to the Braves rotation.
In the offseason, Soto agreed to a historic 15-year, $765 million contract with the Mets, the most lucrative contract in professional sports history. He's delivered 17 home runs and 43 RBIs in 79 games this season.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
