The Houston Astros defeated the San Diego Padres 4-3 in 10 innings Tuesday night to increase their division lead to five games. Yet, all of the focus after the game centered on what happened in the ninth inning as Jose Altuve was ejected during a wild scene.
With the game tied 3-3 and the potential winning run in scoring position, Altuve grounded out to end the inning. However, he believed the ball to have been fouled off of his foot and did not even run to first base.
Houston manager Joe Espada came out to argue the call, to no avail.
The Astros infielder was so ardent in his belief that he went off the reservation and decided to take off his cleat and sock to show the umpire his foot.
He was immediately tossed from the game and replaced by Grae Kessinger. Altuve then hobbled to the dugout. Ironically, it was Kessinger who scored the winning run in the 10th following a Kyle Tucker RBI single.
Prior to his ejection, Altuve was 1-for-5 with two strikeouts.
The Astros second baseman is having another stellar year. He is hitting .301 with a .356 on-base percentage, 19 home runs, 89 runs scored and 63 RBI. He has even turned the clock back a bit on the basepaths with 22 stolen bases. That is his most since he swiped 32 bags during the 2017 season.
Following Tuesday's win, the Astros and Padres will square off in a rubber match Wednesday evening. San Diego will turn to Dylan Cease (13-11, 3.58 ERA) and Houston will counter with an ace in Framber Valdez (14-6, 2.91 ERA).
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