Jose Altuve's Second Career Ejection Highlights Astros' Extra-Inning Victory Over Mets
In a dramatic 11-inning contest at Citi Field, the Houston Astros overcame the New York Mets 10-5. However, the spirited game was marked by the second ejection in the illustrious career of Astros’ star, Jose Altuve.
The Controversial Call
The altercation occurred during a tense seventh inning. Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, which was subsequently ruled an inning-ending groundout by crew chief Alan Porter. Expressing visible frustration, Altuve tossed his bat and helmet, actions that led 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 commented after the game.
Interestingly, the call was not subject to video replay review, adding to the complexity of the situation. This incident marks only the second ejection in Altuve's career, the first occurring back on August 6, 2016, during a game against the Texas Rangers.
Astros' Determined Climb
Despite the ejection, the Astros displayed resilience and determination. Joe Espada, the Astros' bench coach, shared his thoughts on the crucial 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."
Once trailing significantly with a 7-19 opening record and being 12-24 before May 9, the Astros have shown an incredible turnaround. They finished June with a 17-8 record, lifting their overall record to 42-41, surpassing the .500 mark for the first time this season. "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," noted outfielder Jake Meyers.
Extra-Inning Excellence
The Astros' tenacity truly shone in the final innings. The 11th inning saw Jake Meyers hit a go-ahead single off Matt Festa, driving in the pivotal run. Joey Loperfido followed with a two-run single, solidifying the Astros' lead. Trey Cabbage then delivered a two-run double, putting the game firmly out of the Mets' reach.
Amidst the action, umpire James Jean, officiating behind the plate for the first time since his major league debut, faced significant pressure during the controversial play. Crew chief Alan Porter, who made the out call, also found himself at the center of intense scrutiny.
Altuve's Impact
Despite the setback, Altuve continues to make considerable contributions to his team. With a current batting average of .304, 13 home runs, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, he remains a pivotal figure in the Astros' lineup. His competitive spirit and leadership are evident, even in moments of contention.
The Bench Coach's Confidence
Joe Espada expressed unwavering belief in the team's potential, saying, "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." This confidence and determination have been crucial in the Astros' resurgence and pursuit of success.
As the season progresses, the Astros face the challenge of maintaining their newfound momentum. Altuve's ejection, while noteworthy, serves to highlight the passion and drive that fuels this team's climb in the standings.