A True Walk-Off

With Citi Field open to fans for the first time in more than a year, the Mets rallied late to tie the game on Jeff McNeil’s home run to lead off the 9th inning. After a single, a double and an intentional walk, the bases were loaded for Michael Conforto. The Mets outfielder was nearly called out on strikes but home plate umpire Ron Kulpa changed his mind and awarded Conforto first base and the Mets the walk-off win after ruling the pitch grazed Conforto. “It was a slider coming back at me,” Conforto said with a slightly guilt conscience. “There may have been a little turn of my elbow and it barely skimmed my elbow guard.” Kulpa later admitted he probably made the wrong call, but the Mets still got to keep the win. It was the first of three walk-off wins for the Mets to start off the season.