Jose Altuve Ejected as Astros Overcome Mets in Extra-Inning Thriller
The Houston Astros' second baseman, Jose Altuve, faced an unusual and controversial moment during an intense 11-inning clash against the New York Mets at Citi Field. In only the second ejection of his illustrious career, Altuve was thrown out of the game in the seventh inning, adding an unexpected twist to a game that ultimately saw the Astros triumph 10-5.
Altuve's Rare Ejection
The incident unfolded when Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot, which the umpiring crew ruled as an inning-ending groundout. Expressing his frustration, Altuve tossed his bat and helmet, leading to his ejection. Crew chief Alan Porter signaled the out, while James Jean, who had recently made his major league debut, was behind the plate.
Reflecting on the call, Altuve expressed his disbelief, stating, "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’s frustration was mirrored by the Astros' bench coach, Joe Espada, who added, "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."
A Decisive Extra-Inning Performance
Despite the ejection of their key player, the Astros showed resilience and determination to clinch the game in extra innings. The pivotal 11th inning saw Jake Meyers hitting a go-ahead single off Mets' reliever Matt Festa. The momentum continued to build as Joey Loperfido followed with a two-run single, and Trey Cabbage drove home two more runs with a double, extending the Astros' lead significantly.
Reflecting on the team's journey this season, Meyers said, "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' sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the Astros, a team that started the season with a dismal 7-19 record.
Turning the Tide
The victory over the Mets elevated the Astros’ record to 42-41, marking the first time this season they have risen above the .500 mark. The turnaround is noteworthy, given the team's performance earlier in the year. By May 9, the Astros were struggling at 12-24 but turned the tide with a remarkable 17-8 record in June.
Joe Espada, reflecting on the team's journey, noted, "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." Espada's unwavering belief in the team has been pivotal as they navigated the highs and lows of the season.
Altuve’s Impact and Onward Journey
Altuve, a critical figure for the Astros, holds impressive statistics this season, including a .304 batting average, 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His on-field presence and leadership remain integral to the Astros' success as they continue to push through the season's challenges.
As the team looks ahead, their recent performance provides a solid foundation to build upon. The victory over the Mets, characterized by resilience and a strong team effort, underscores the Astros' potential to maintain momentum and strive for further success as the season progresses.