Houston Astros' Jose Altuve faced a rare moment of frustration during a recent game against the New York Mets, one that would lead to only the second ejection of his illustrious career. In a dramatic contest extended to 11 innings, the Astros ultimately prevailed with a 10-5 victory, a hard-earned win that highlighted the team's resilience and determination.
Altuve's Ejection
The incident occurred during the seventh inning at Citi Field. Altuve, noted for his disciplined approach and exceptional performance, fouled a ball off his left foot that was controversially ruled as an inning-ending groundout. The call clearly did not sit well with Altuve, who reacted by tossing his bat and helmet in visible frustration. This display of dissent led to his automatic ejection from the game.
Reflecting on the controversial call, Altuve expressed his discontent, saying, "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."
This marked only the second time Altuve has been ejected in his major league career, with the first occurring on August 6, 2016, during a game against the Texas Rangers. Notably, the call at Citi Field was not subject to video replay review, adding to Altuve's frustration.
Game Dynamics
Behind the plate for the contentious call was James Jean, umpiring for the first time after making his major league debut just days earlier. The out call was signaled by crew chief Alan Porter. Joe Espada, the Astros' bench coach, echoed Altuve's sentiments about the controversial call. "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," Espada remarked.
Astros' Performance
Despite the setback, the Astros showcased their fighting spirit, securing the win in extra innings and elevating their season record to 42-41, marking the first time they rose above the .500 mark this season. This victory is particularly notable considering the Astros' challenging start to the season; they opened with a 7-19 record and were at a disappointing 12-24 before May 9. However, they finished June with an impressive 17-8 record, underscoring the team's upward trajectory.
Key Contributors
The 11th inning proved pivotal for the Astros. Jake Meyers struck a go-ahead single off Mets pitcher Matt Festa, followed by Joey Loperfido's two-run single and Trey Cabbage's two-run double, cementing the Astros' commanding lead. Reflecting on the team's journey, Meyers commented, "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."
Espada also shared his 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."
Altuve's Consistent Excellence
In the shadow of this rare ejection, it is crucial not to overlook Altuve's consistent excellence on the field. He currently boasts a .304 batting average, with 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases, further cementing his status as a key player for the Astros.
The Astros’ recent performance offers a timely reminder of their capability and determination. Overcoming early season hurdles and navigating through tense moments like Altuve’s ejection demonstrates their resilience. As they continue to build on their successes, the team's focus will undoubtedly remain on maintaining their upward momentum and solidifying their position for the rest of the season.