In a dramatic turn of events at Citi Field, Houston Astros' star Jose Altuve found himself ejected for just the second time in his illustrious career during a game against the New York Mets. The ejection came in the seventh inning of what turned out to be an 11-inning thriller, ultimately won by the Astros 10-5.
Controversial Call Sparks Frustration
The incident unfolded when Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, which was ruled an inning-ending groundout. Expressing his frustration, Altuve tossed his bat and helmet, leading to an immediate ejection. Altuve's ire stemmed from the fact that the call was not subject to video replay review, a limitation that added salt to the wound.
"They didn't see it. I understand the guy behind the plate didn't see it because the catcher's there, but you have another three guys -- first, second and third. I felt like it was kind of obvious. That's why I was so mad," Altuve explained, clearly still agitated after the game.
The game was officiated by James Jean, who was umpiring behind the plate for the first time in his major league career, while crew chief Alan Porter signaled the out call. The limited experience of Jean perhaps contributed to the controversial decision, much to the Astros' dismay.
Astros’ Bench Stands in Solidarity
The Astros' bench coach, Joe Espada, also weighed in on the call, supporting Altuve's reaction. "The ball kind of took a different direction once it hit the ground, to Vientos. And [if] someone was going to get out of the box, second and third, and beat a ball out at first base, it's Jose Altuve. So if he's arguing, that ball hit him. And it looked like the ball hit him to me," Espada said. The sentiment echoed among teammates and fans, highlighting the tension that always surrounds such pivotal moments in a game.
Turning the Season Around
Despite the ejection, the Astros showcased their resilience. Their performance in extra innings demonstrated a team that has been grinding through the season, aiming to surpass the .500 mark before the All-Star break. Jake Meyers played a crucial role in this triumph, hitting a go-ahead single off Matt Festa in the 11th inning. Following Meyers’ lead, Joey Loperfido contributed with a two-run single, and Trey Cabbage extended the lead with a two-run double.
"It was a goal to get to .500 before All-Star break. It kind of shows that we've been grinding through the season, ups and downs," Meyers commented, reflecting on the team’s journey.
The victory lifted the Astros to a 42-41 record, a significant milestone given their tumultuous start to the season. Houston began their campaign with a disappointing 7-19 record and struggled to a 12-24 standing before May 9. However, finishing June with a 17-8 record underscored the team’s remarkable turnaround.
Espada further elaborated on the team’s resilient spirit. "I never lost faith in this group. I know that we were down, but we were not out, and I'm not surprised that we are where we are." His faith in the team’s capabilities continues to drive the Astros forward as they strive to maintain their positive momentum.
Altuve's Stellar Performance
Amidst the drama, it's important not to overlook Altuve’s individual achievements this season. He currently boasts a .304 batting average, alongside 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. This level of performance only cements his status as one of the game’s elite players.
While Altuve’s ejection was a rare blemish in an otherwise exemplary career, the Astros’ collective efforts ensured that the game would be remembered for their tenacity and skill. As Houston continues their season, both the team and their fans will hope to see more of the same fighting spirit and fewer disputes at home plate.