Home-plate umpire hit on jaw, exits Mets' tilt
Gonzalez replaced in sixth inning, but OK after painful foul-ball incident
NEW YORK -- Home-plate umpire Manny Gonzalez left Tuesday's 3-2 Mets win over the Rockies at Citi Field in the top of the sixth inning after being struck on the jaw by a foul ball.
The Mets said Gonzalez was seen by a team doctor and is fine.
Colorado outfielder Charlie Blackmon, who was pinch-hitting for starting pitcher Chad Bettis, squared up to bunt on a pitch from Jenrry Mejia to lead off the sixth. He fouled off the pitch, and it bounced up from behind home plate, hitting Gonzalez's jaw. The home-plate umpire was on the ground for several moments as the Mets' training staff came onto the field to check on him.
After a 17-minute delay, play resumed with second-base umpire Larry Vanover moving behind the plate. Three pitches after the delay, Blackmon hit a solo home run off Mejia.
The Mets starter lasted just four more batters after a single, an error and a walk loaded the bases.
Tony Randazzo and Brian Gorman remained at first and third base, respectively, as the game went on with just three umpires.