Jose Altuve’s Frustration Boils Over in Astros' Extra-Inning Win Against Mets
In a dramatic 11-inning clash at Citi Field, the Houston Astros emerged triumphant with a 10-5 victory over the New York Mets. While the Astros celebrated a significant win that pushed them above the .500 mark for the first time this season, all eyes were on Jose Altuve, who was ejected for only the second time in his illustrious career.
The tension reached its peak during the seventh inning when Altuve appeared to foul a ball off his left foot. However, it was ruled an inning-ending groundout by crew chief Alan Porter. The call, which wasn’t subject to video replay review, left Altuve visibly frustrated. Unable to contain his emotions, he tossed his bat and helmet, leading to 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 later explained.
James Jean, who was umpiring behind the plate for the first time in his major league career, found himself in the center of the controversy. Despite the disagreement, the Astros' bench coach Joe Espada supported Altuve's reaction, stating, "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."
Despite the drama, the Astros managed to stay focused and delivered a spectacular performance in extra innings. Jake Meyers broke the tie in the 11th inning with a go-ahead single off Matt Festa. Joey Loperfido followed with a two-run single, and Trey Cabbage sealed the deal with a two-run double, securing the Astros' victory. Reflecting on the team's journey, 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."
The triumph was sweet for the Astros, who opened the season with a disappointing 7-19 record and was 12-24 before May 9. They managed to turn things around dramatically, finishing June with an impressive 17-8 record. Espada emphasized the team's resilience, stating, "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."
For Altuve, the ejection was a rare moment of frustration in an otherwise stellar career. His current stats showcase his exceptional performance this season, with a .304 batting average, 13 homers, 37 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. The previous instance of Altuve being ejected dates back to August 6, 2016, during a game against the Texas Rangers.
As the Astros look to build on their recent success, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum. The victory against the Mets not only marks a pivotal moment in their season but also highlights the fierce determination and skill within the team, led by veterans like Altuve and supported by emerging talents like Meyers and Loperfido.
The second ejection in Altuve's career serves as a reminder of the passion and intensity that drives professional athletes. For the Astros, the win underscores their ability to overcome adversity and shine under pressure, setting the stage for a promising second half of the season.