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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.

David Wilson is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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