Jose Altuve Ejected in Astros' 11-Inning Victory Over Mets
Jose Altuve Ejected in Astros' 11-Inning Victory Over Mets
The Houston Astros secured a hard-fought victory against the New York Mets, winning 10-5 in an intense 11-inning game at Citi Field. However, the spotlight was not solely on the Astros' impressive win but also on an unusual incident involving star player Jose Altuve.
Controversial Call Leads to Altuve's Ejection
During the seventh inning, Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, but the play was controversially ruled an inning-ending groundout by the umpires. Frustration quickly mounted for Altuve, who tossed his bat and helmet in protest, leading to the second ejection of his illustrious career. The call, made by crew chief Alan Porter, was not subject to video replay review, adding to the tension.
Altuve voiced his dissatisfaction post-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."
A Rare Occurrence
This ejection marks only the second time that Altuve, known for his composure and sportsmanship, has been thrown out of a game. The first instance occurred on August 6, 2016, in a contest against the Texas Rangers. On this occasion, the decision fell during an already dramatic game, intensifying emotions on both sides.
Astros Rally in Extra Innings
Despite the setback, the Astros demonstrated resilience, pushing the game into extra innings. In the 11th inning, Jake Meyers delivered a pivotal go-ahead single off Mets' pitcher Matt Festa. The momentum continued as Joey Loperfido added a two-run single, followed by Trey Cabbage's two-run double, sealing a robust lead for the Astros.
Reflecting on the triumph, Meyers highlighted the team's perseverance: "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."
A Season of Resurgence
The victory was symbolic of the Astros' season of resurgence. Beginning the year with a dismal 7-19 record and being 12-24 before May 9, Houston has clawed its way back into contention. The game against the Mets lifted their record to 42-41, marking the first time they have been above .500 this season.
James Jean, umpiring behind the plate for the first time since his major league debut just days earlier, was part of the crew overseeing the contentious call. Astros' bench coach Joe Espada provided his perspective on the incident: "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 concluded June with a commendable 17-8 record, reflecting their determination and growth throughout the season. Espada's confidence in his team was evident: "I never lost faith in this group. I know that we were down, but were not out, and I'm not surprised that we are where we are."
Impressive Individual Performances
Beyond the controversy, Altuve's individual stats continue to shine, boasting a .304 batting average, 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His performance remains integral to the Astros' success as they aim to build on their current momentum.
In sum, the game against the Mets was a testament to the Astros' fighting spirit and tenacity. While Altuve's ejection added an unexpected twist, the team's ability to secure a victory in extra innings underscored their resilience and potential for the remainder of the season.
