Houston Astros' Jose Altuve made headlines for an unusual reason on a dramatic night at Citi Field, as the second ejection of his major league career unfolded in a contentious moment against the New York Mets. Despite this setback, the Astros managed to secure a 10-5 victory in an 11-inning thriller.
Controversial Call Sparks Ejection
In the seventh inning, with the game clinging in balance, Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot. However, the play was ruled an inning-ending groundout, a decision that ignited Altuve's frustrations. The Astros’ star exhibited his displeasure by tossing his bat and helmet, leading to his subsequent ejection by the crew chief Alan Porter. The groundout call, which played a pivotal role in Altuve's outburst, was not subject to video replay review, adding to the intensity of the situation.
"They didn't see it," Altuve said after the game. "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."
Historic Ejection
This incident marks only the second ejection in Altuve's illustrious career, the first occurring on August 6, 2016, during a game against the Texas Rangers. On this occasion, it was James Jean, umpiring behind the plate for the first time since his major league debut days earlier, who was at the center of the controversy.
Astros' Resurgence
Despite the drama, the Astros showcased their resilience. Boosted by critical hits in extra innings, they extended their record to 42-41, breaching the .500 mark for the first time this season. This is a significant turnaround for a team that once had a discouraging 7-19 start and was 12-24 before May 9.
Joe Espada, the Astros' bench coach, highlighted the significance of this milestone:
"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."
Highlight Performances
The game witnessed crucial contributions that secured Houston's victory. In the 11th inning, Jake Meyers hit a go-ahead single off Matt Festa. Soon after, Joey Loperfido followed with a two-run single, and Trey Cabbage hit a commanding two-run double to solidify the lead. The team’s efforts in these extra minutes proved decisive in tipping the scale in their favor.
"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," Espada remarked, underscoring his confidence in the team's ability to overcome adversity.
Altuve's Achievements
Before his ejection, Altuve's performance this season had been nothing short of impressive, boasting a .304 batting average, 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. Such stats not only highlight his skill but also his critical role in the Astros' resurgence. However, Altuve's confrontation with the umpiring had a layer of empathy from his coach. Espada, reflecting on the contentious moment, noted:
"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."
The Astros ended June with a 17-8 record, a testament to their determination and grit in a fiercely competitive season. With pivotal wins and individual standout performances, they're positioning themselves as contenders looking to build momentum as the season progresses.
This memorable game against the Mets not only showcased the ups and downs of baseball but also emphasized the spirit of a team willing to battle through every inning. As the Astros move ahead in their campaign, Altuve's ejection may serve as a reminder of the passion and intensity that defines their play. By overcoming obstacles and reaching significant milestones, the Houston Astros continue to demonstrate why they are a force to be reckoned with in Major League Baseball.