Altuve Ejected in a Dramatic Astros Victory Over Mets
In an intense face-off at Citi Field, the Houston Astros emerged victorious over the New York Mets with a 10-5 win in an 11-inning showdown on Thursday night. The game was momentous not just for the extra-innings triumph but also for the rare ejection of the Astros' star, Jose Altuve.
The incident occurred in the seventh inning when Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot. However, umpire Alan Porter ruled it an inning-ending groundout. The call, which was not subject to video replay review, visibly frustrated Altuve. He tossed his bat and helmet in protest, actions that led to him being ejected for only the second time in his major league career. "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 after the game.
Joe Espada, the Astros' bench coach, concurred with Altuve's sentiment. "The ball kind of took a different direction once it hit the ground, to [Mark] 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 commotion and the absence of Altuve for the remaining innings, the Astros found their rhythm in extra innings. Jake Meyers stepped up in the 11th inning with a go-ahead single off Mets’ reliever Matt Festa. The momentum didn't stop there. Joey Loperfido followed with a clutch two-run single, and Trey Cabbage sealed the game with a two-run double, extending the Astros’ lead beyond the Mets' reach.
The win was significant for Houston, not just in terms of the game's outcome but as a demonstration of resilience. The Astros lifted their record to 42-41, finally surpassing the .500 mark for the first time this season. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given their rough start to the season, including a 7-19 record at the beginning and a 12-24 standing by early May. "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 remarked on the team's perseverance.
The Astros closed June with a notable 17-8 record, reflecting a determined comeback. Espada highlighted the team's grit and collective effort, saying, "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."
Altuve, who has been a consistent performer with a .304 batting average, 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, remains a pivotal player for the Astros. His rare ejection underscores his competitive spirit and commitment to the game, which was echoed by the fans and his teammates alike.
Adding to the game's drama was the inexperienced James Jean, who was umpiring behind the plate for the first time after making his major league debut just a few days earlier. While Jean navigated the pressure-filled situation, it was Alan Porter who made the decisive call that led to Altuve’s ejection.
The Astros’ victory at Citi Field not only placed them above the .500 mark but also set the tone for the second half of the season, reflecting their resilience and tenacity. As they continue to face challenges, Altuve and his team show that they are a force to be reckoned with.