Jose Altuve Ejected as Astros Triumph in Extra Innings Over Mets
Jose Altuve Ejected as Astros Triumph in Extra Innings Over Mets
In a dramatic turn of events at Citi Field, Houston Astros' second baseman Jose Altuve found himself ejected for only the second time in his illustrious career. Despite the contentious call and subsequent ejection, the Astros managed to secure a 10-5 victory over the New York Mets in an eleven-inning showdown.
During the seventh inning, Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, a decision that was ruled an inning-ending groundout by crew chief Alan Porter. The call, not subject to video replay review, triggered an outburst of frustration from Altuve, who tossed his bat and helmet in dismay. "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."
James Jean, umpiring behind the plate after making his major league debut just days earlier, faced significant scrutiny over the decision. The young umpire’s call sparked debate, leading to Altuve's dramatic ejection. Astros' bench coach Joe Espada weighed in on the situation: "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."
Though Altuve’s ejection was a significant moment, it didn't overshadow the Astros' triumph. The game extended into extra innings, offering a display of Houston's tenacity and skill. In the eleventh inning, Jake Meyers delivered a go-ahead single off Matt Festa, a moment that set the stage for further offensive highlights. Joey Loperfido and Trey Cabbage followed suit with a two-run single and a two-run double, respectively, widening the Astros' lead and ensuring their win.
Reflecting on the game, Meyers emphasized the team’s resilience: "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." This victory pushed the Astros' record to 42-41, marking the first time this season they have risen above the .500 threshold.
Their journey to this point has been far from smooth. The Astros opened the season with a staggering 7-19 record and were lamenting a 12-24 standing before May 9. However, the tide turned mid-season, as the team finished June with an impressive 17-8 record. Espada expressed confidence in his squad, stating, "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."
Amid the highs and lows, Jose Altuve remains a key asset to the Astros, boasting a current batting average of .304, with 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His frustration and fierce determination on the field underscore his commitment to the game and his team.
As the Astros gear up for the forthcoming fixtures, their recent performance against the Mets is a promising indicator of their capability and drive. The team's upward trajectory, fueled by standout moments and critical plays, reflects a resilient spirit that debuted amidst a challenging start to the season.
