Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez was furious after the team’s loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday night and arrived at the news conference with a visual aid.
In the wild bottom of the ninth, Astros slugger José Abreu scored on catcher Keibert Ruiz’s error to give Houston a 5-4 victory.
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Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez argues with the officials after the last play of the Astros game, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
With the bases loaded, Astros hitter Jake Meyers sent the ball to shortstop CJ Abrams, who threw it home for the second out. Ruiz tried to turn the double play to end the inning, but his pitch went off Meyers’ helmet. The ball went wrong and allowed Abreu to score.
Martínez discussed the final play with the umpires, but to no avail. He claimed that Meyers was out of the bottom line. After the game, he began his postgame media availability by showing a photo showing Meyers running across the grass on his way to first base.
Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz throws to first after a forced out by Astros’ Kyle Tucker, Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
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«There it is right there,» Martinez said. «Look at it. Is that on the line? I don’t think so. I’m over this play. Seriously. They need to fix the rule. If this is what the ref sees running down the line, I’m tired of it. I’m tired of that. Fix it. We lost the game, and he had nothing to say about it because he can’t make the right decision. Brutal.»
Meyers said he ran down the line and collided with first baseman Matt Chavis’ glove, adding that he was tagging the base.
«I think that sent the ball somewhere else,» the Astros player said. «I’m not too sure, but I know we scored and we won. That’s good.»
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Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez argues with home plate umpire Jeremy Riggs on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Washington had tied the game in the ninth inning before the controversial end in the bottom of the frame.
Associated Press contributed to this report.