Altuve Ejected in Astros' Victory Over Mets
In a dramatic 11-inning showdown, the Houston Astros emerged victorious against the New York Mets with a 10-5 finish at Citi Field, but not without controversy. Jose Altuve, the Astros' stalwart second baseman, faced ejection for only the second time in his illustrious career, adding a layer of tension to an already charged game.
The incident occurred during the seventh inning when Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, a call that was instead ruled an inning-ending groundout. Frustrated and disbelieving, Altuve expressed his discontent by tossing his bat and helmet, actions that led to his immediate ejection from the game. This rare ejection marked only the second time the eight-time All-Star had been thrown out of a game, the first being on August 6, 2016, against the Texas Rangers.
"They didn't see it," Altuve remarked post-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." Altuve's sentiments echoed the confusion and frustration of Astros fans and players alike, especially considering the call was not open to video replay review.
Behind the plate for this pivotal call was James Jean, a newcomer who was officiating his first game since making his major league debut just days earlier. Crew chief Alan Porter was the one to signal the out call, cementing a decision that would spark considerable debate.
Astros' bench coach Joe Espada also weighed in on the contentious moment. "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."
Despite the dramatic ejection, the Astros maintained their composure and navigated the game into extra innings, securing a much-needed win. The 11th inning saw heroic performances from Jake Meyers, who delivered a go-ahead single off Matt Festa, followed by Joey Loperfido’s two-run single and Trey Cabbage’s two-run double, which sealed the victory.
The win was a significant milestone for the Astros, lifting their record to 42-41, marking the first time they have been above the .500 mark this season. The team had a rough start, opening the season with a dismal 7-19 record and struggling to a 12-24 standing before May 9. However, a strong turnaround in June, where the Astros finished with a 17-8 record, signaled a renewed vigor and capability.
Reflecting on the comeback, Jake Meyers noted, "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' words underscore the resilient spirit that has become synonymous with this team, despite facing early season adversities.
Espada, ever the optimist, added, "I never lost faith in this group. I know that we were down, but we're not out, and I'm not surprised that we are where we are." His confidence in the squad has clearly paid off, as the Astros now set their sights on maintaining momentum and striving for continued success as the season progresses.
As for Altuve, his performance continues to be a cornerstone for the Astros, boasting impressive current stats with a .304 batting average, 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His presence on the field remains a critical component of Houston's ambitions, despite the setback of his ejection.
In the end, the Astros' victory over the Mets was more than just a win; it was a testament to their perseverance and collective willpower, emblematic of a team that refuses to be counted out until the final whistle. With key players like Altuve leading the charge, the Astros are poised to make their mark in the ongoing season.