It couldn’t hurt.
I got denied to a particular grad program that, judging on past years, i should have gotten in.
I called and actually spoke with the program director. He pulled open my file. He admitted that i was more than well qualified and that if I didn’t get into another school, that he would guarantee me admission for the next year. I ended up getting in other schools and didn’t have to take him up on his offer.
I don’t think it would hurt to call and ask.