The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a 5–2 defeat to the New York Mets on May 24, 2025, at Citi Field, in a game marked by a contentious and non-reviewable play that contributed to the early scoring.
Controversial Play Sparks Early Lead
In the second inning, Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing hit a ball that appeared to strike his shin before rolling into fair territory. Mets catcher Luis Torrens fielded the ball and threw to first base for an out, while Tommy Edman scored from third. Although replays indicated the ball had contacted Rushing’s leg—rendering it a foul ball under MLB rules—the play was deemed non-reviewable and stood as called, giving the Dodgers an early 2–0 lead.
Mets Rally Behind Peterson’s Strong Outing
Despite the early deficit, the Mets responded with five unanswered runs. Starting pitcher David Peterson delivered an impressive performance, pitching 7⅔ innings and matching his career-high in innings pitched, effectively stifling the Dodgers’ offense.
The turning point came in the fourth inning when Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin struggled with his control, issuing two walks and allowing three runs with two outs, which erased the Dodgers’ lead.
Implications and Reactions
The controversial call in the second inning reignited discussions about the limitations of MLB’s current replay review system. Under existing rules, certain plays, including whether a batted ball has contacted a batter’s body, are not subject to video review, leading to frustration among players and fans when such calls impact the game’s outcome.
For the Dodgers, the loss highlighted the challenges of maintaining momentum amid contentious officiating decisions. The team will need to regroup and focus on consistency as they continue their road trip.
The Mets, buoyed by Peterson’s strong outing and timely hitting, demonstrated resilience in overcoming an early deficit. The victory serves as a confidence booster as they aim to build momentum in the competitive National League East division.
As both teams look ahead, the game underscores the importance of adaptability and focus, especially when faced with unforeseen challenges on the field.