Jose Altuve's Rare Ejection as Astros Conquer Mets in Extra Innings
In a game filled with intense moments and remarkable plays, the Houston Astros emerged victorious over the New York Mets with a 10-5 win in an 11-inning battle at Citi Field. The game took a dramatic twist in the seventh inning, leading to the ejection of Astros' second baseman Jose Altuve, marking only the second time in his notable major league career he was thrown out of a game.
The contentious moment occurred when Altuve was ruled out on a groundout that he believed had actually fouled off his left foot. Demonstrating his frustration, Altuve threw his bat and helmet, which resulted in 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 explained.
The hotly debated groundout call couldn't be reviewed via video replay, adding to the controversy. James Jean, who was umpiring behind the plate for the first time after his major league debut days earlier, was involved in the decision, while crew chief Alan Porter signaled the out call. The Astros' bench coach, Joe Espada, empathized with Altuve’s reaction. "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," said Espada.
Despite the ejection, the Astros showcased their resilience by carrying the momentum into extra innings. In the 11th inning, Jake Meyers delivered a crucial go-ahead single off Matt Festa. Joey Loperfido soon followed with a two-run single, and Trey Cabbage sealed the triumph with a two-run double, ensuring a decisive 10-5 lead. Reflecting on the victory, Meyers stated, "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 not only highlighted the Astros' fortitude but also boosted their record to 42-41, bringing them above the .500 mark for the first time this season. Houston's journey to this point has been challenging; they opened the season with a 7-19 record and were 12-24 before May 9. However, their performance in June, where they posted a 17-8 record, was a testament to their relentless pursuit of success.
Altuve, despite his ejection, has been a beacon of consistency and excellence for the Astros, boasting a .304 batting average along with 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His passion for the game and competitiveness are clear even in moments of frustration, adding depth to his contributions on the field.
Trailing in the game didn't deter the Astros, and Espada's faith in his team's abilities proved unwavering. "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," he commented.
The Astros' journey through the season has been a rollercoaster, but their ability to rally and fight through adversity epitomizes the spirit of the team. As they move forward, they will undoubtedly continue to draw on the lessons learned from games like this and the determination exhibited by players like Jose Altuve.