In a dramatic showdown at Citi Field, the Houston Astros emerged victorious over the New York Mets with a 10-5 win after 11 intense innings. However, the game's highlight wasn't just the Astros' triumph, but also an unexpected ejection that marked the second of Jose Altuve's illustrious career.
In the seventh inning, Altuve found himself at the center of a controversial call. The star player appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, but the umpire signaled an inning-ending groundout. Frustrated by the decision, Altuve tossed his bat and helmet in protest, leading to his ejection from the game. "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.
Interestingly, the call made by crew chief Alan Porter was not subject to video replay review, sealing Altuve's fate. James Jean, who had just made his major league debut days earlier, was umpiring behind the plate. Altuve's first ejection occurred on August 6, 2016, during a game against the Texas Rangers.
Astros' Persistence Pays Off
Despite Altuve's ejection, the Astros showcased their resilience and determination. The game, stretched to 11 innings, saw pivotal contributions from Jake Meyers, Joey Loperfido, and Trey Cabbage. Meyers hit a go-ahead single off Matt Festa in the 11th inning, giving the Astros an edge. Loperfido then followed with a two-run single, and Cabbage cemented 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 shared, reflecting on the significance of the win.
Overcoming Early-Season Struggles
The victory elevated Houston's record to 42-41, marking the first time they have been above the .500 mark this season. This achievement is particularly notable considering their challenging start, where they opened the season with a dismal 7-19 record and were 12-24 before May 9. However, the Astros turned their fortunes around, finishing June with an impressive 17-8 record.
Joe Espada, the Astros' bench coach, expressed his unwavering belief in the team. "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," he remarked.
A Look at Altuve's Performance
Despite the setback of his ejection, Altuve's performance this season remains commendable. With a .304 batting average, 13 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, he continues to be a pivotal player for the Astros. Espada, addressing the contentious call, backed his player, saying, "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."
As the season progresses, the Astros will look to build on their current momentum and overcome any hurdles that come their way. The determination and resilience they've shown, epitomized by their hard-fought win against the Mets, signal a promising direction for the team as they continue their journey through the league.