FINALLY!
How Astros, MLB may be on verge of solving their umpire problem
Jun 2, 2023, 11:25 am
How Astros, MLB may be on verge of SOLVING their umpire problem
The Astros have seen their fair share of bad umpiring over the years, from Angel Hernandez to Joe West, but this week things seemed to escalate to another level when Jerry Layne got in the face of Jeremy Pena.
Pena took exception to a pitch that was clearly out of the zone, which was called a strike, and hitting coach Alex Cintron was ejected for defending Pena. The altercation even made national news, with outlets picking up the story across the country.
This is just the latest example the Astros have experienced. Even going back to the 2022 playoffs, the Astros dealt with a different strike zone when they went on the road to play the Mariners, Yankees, and Phillies.
It's gotten to the point where even the broadcasters calling the game have openly accepted that the home team was going to get calls in their favor from the umpires. The strike zone should not change based on where the game is being played.
So how does this get fixed? MLB is currently testing out two different systems in the minors that could be implemented in the big leagues in the next year or two. One system uses computer technology to call all balls and strikes, while the other operates with a challenge system.
Be sure to check out the video above as we discuss which system will be the best option going forward, how soon it will be implemented, and much more!
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.