In a rollercoaster matchup at Citi Field, the Houston Astros overcame the New York Mets 10-5 in an extended 11-inning game that saw veteran second baseman Jose Altuve ejected for only the second time in his career. This rare occurrence didn't overshadow the Astros' resilient performance, marking their climb above .500 for the first time this season.
Frustration Boils Over
During the seventh inning, Altuve found himself at the center of controversy. Believing he had fouled a ball off his left foot, Altuve expressed visible frustration when the play was ruled an inning-ending groundout. Tossing his bat and helmet in protest, the typically composed Altuve was ejected from the game. Reflecting on the incident, Altuve stated, "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."
Behind the plate was rookie umpire James Jean, who had just made his major league debut days earlier, while crew chief Alan Porter called the out. The decision was irrevocable as the groundout call was not subject to video replay review, adding to the Astros' frustration.
Astros Rally Late
Despite the setback, the Astros showed remarkable determination. Jake Meyers played a pivotal role in the 11th inning by delivering a go-ahead single off Mets pitcher Matt Festa. The Astros didn't stop there; Joey Loperfido followed with a two-run single, and Trey Cabbage added a two-run double, effectively sealing the win.
Meyers aptly summarized the team's resilience: "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." Their victory lifted the Astros' record to 42-41, affirming their tenacity through a tumultuous season that began abysmally with a 7-19 start.
Turnaround Season
The Astros' journey to a winning record has been nothing short of commendable. By May 9, they were 12-24, suggesting a bleak outlook for the season. However, a strong performance in June, where they posted a 17-8 record, ignited a significant turnaround. Bench coach Joe Espada's unwavering belief in the team's potential was evident: "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 Performance and Ejection History
Aside from the ejection, Jose Altuve has been a cornerstone for the Astros with a .304 batting average, 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases this season. This recent ejection marks only the second in Altuve's major league tenure, with his first occurring on August 6, 2016, in a game against the Texas Rangers. Altuve's frustration was understandable given his reliable consistency on the field and his pivotal role in the Astros' offense.
The game not only showcased the Astros' resilience but also their ability to capitalize in critical moments. Espada seized the chance to back his player, Altuve, emphasizing his credibility in such disputes: "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."
As the Astros move forward, their recent triumph signals a promising shift in momentum. The team’s determination to overcome early season adversity and their current upward trajectory suggest more exciting developments as the season progresses. With key players like Altuve leading the charge, the Astros' future looks bright.