Braves' Spencer Strider claps back at Juan Soto after Mets star complained about umpire's strikeout call

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.

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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.

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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. 

Soto drew a pair of walks in his two plate appearances before the fifth-inning strikeout. He grounded out in