Umpire steams both teams

AT LEAST both teams were unhappy with the strike zone. When the bitching and complaining from both dugouts is roughly equal, it suggests that it wasn't the reason the game turned out the way it did.

It's also true, though, that umpires strive not to be noticed. And by that measurement, plate umpire Jerry Meals didn't have a very good evening during Game 2 of the National League Division Series played last night at Citizens Bank Park.

Hitters from both teams did little to hide their annoyance when they walked away from the plate after being called out. Pitchers from both teams were frustrated by pitches they believed had been in the zone but were called balls.

"It was consistent," agreed Phillies third baseman Placido Polanco and then he smiled, indicating that he would say no more.

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz stressed that he wasn't making any excuses for the 5-4 loss that tied the best-of-five series at a game apiece.

"But every pitch you call is supposed to set up the next pitch," he said. "And when you're not sure, it's hard to know what to call."

Manager Charlie Manuel admitted that it was a topic of conversation on the Phillies' side of the field.

"They were talking about it in our dugout," he said. "I'm not blaming it on the umpire. They outplayed us. They outhit us and scored more runs than we did.

"I'm not able to see location. I can see height and things, but as far as where the ball is at, in and out, it's hard. But it looked like [starter Cliff Lee] threw some good pitches."

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa mentioned it to Meals while making one of his pitching changes and also broached the subject during his in-game television interview.

"I've never had a problem with Jerry before. Ever," he said after the game. "The only thing [is that] you go out there and whatever the strike zone is, it makes no difference to us. We'll adjust to it. That was my only point, that he had to figure out what the strike zone was."

Asked about the strike zone, Cardinals centerfielder Jon Jay remained diplomatic.

"We try not to pay any attention to that," he said. "We try to stick with our game plan and try to get some pitches over the middle."